Deal Imminent
Brenden Aaronson is on his way to the Bundesliga. The US men’s national team star is set to go on loan from relegated Leeds United to Champions League side Union Berlin. Rumored for some time, The Athletic reported on Monday that an agreement to send the 22-year-old to Germany is now close to be agreed on. With a market value of €25 million, Aaronson would immediately become the most valuable player in Union Berlin’s squad next season.
Leeds United signed Aaronson one year ago for a club record €32.8 million. Aaronson was considered a key signing for American manager Jesse Marsch. But Marsch was unable to keep Leeds away from the relegation spots and was fired in February. Not that that changed the club’s trajectory, as Leeds were relegated anyhow. Following Marsch’s departure and relegation to the Championship, the player camp made it clear that they wanted a change of scenery.
Under head coach Urs Fischer, Union Berlin played a spectacular season and managed to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in club history, just four years after being promoted from the 2. Bundesliga. On the surface, Champions League football means that Union Berlin will have significant finances to strengthen the squad for their first-ever Champions League campaign. The reality, however, is a bit more difficult. Union are still paying off old debts and are also planning significant investments in the club’s infrastructure and the stadium.
Fowler, Aaronson & Co. – Leeds United’s record signings
Brenden Aaronson: Depth signing for Union Berlin or more?
Hence, the club continues to look for bargains on the transfer market. Since the start of the 2021/22 season, Union Berlin have made 37 player transactions on the incoming side alone. Bringing in a volume of players and hoping that several players will work out every season, in fact, appears to be very much part of the club’s transfer philosophy.
Signing Aaronson very much fits into that bargain-hunting philosophy. The USMNT is very much a distressed asset after a year in the Premier League with Leeds. A consistent starter under Marsch, his playing minutes dropped off over the last six games of the EPL season. Aaronson also only managed one goal and three assists in 40 games across all competitions for Leeds. A big drop-off from the 13 goals and 15 assists Aaronson managed in 66 games for Salzburg. Aaronson’s market value has also suffered, dropping from €30m to €25m.
In other words, Aaronson is exactly the sort of bargain that Union and head coach Fischer have been fishing for in the past. The attacking midfielder, who can also play as a central midfielder and on the wing, will bring a new element to Berlin’s midfield, which is currently lacking a creative player like Aaronson. Nicknamed the Medford Messi, Aaronson is a gifted player, who brings a high-powered and relentless attitude that fits both well with Union’s philosophy while also adding a new creative element to a midfield that lacks high-end depth. But this move will only work if Aaronson manages to finally replicate his productive numbers shown in MLS and Salzburg in Austria.
Homepage