Brenden Aaronson is on his way to the German Bundesliga for the upcoming league season.
Union Berlin has acquired Aaronson on a season-long loan spell from Leeds United, both clubs announced Sunday. The 22-year-old joins fellow U.S. men’s national team teammate Jordan Pefok on loan in Urs Fischer’s squad.
“Union’s path and the success of the last few years did not go unnoticed in either the USA, Austria or England,” said Aaronson on his move. “Somehow, you always heard something about them. A year ago, I wouldn’t have believed that I would be here and able to play in the Champions League with Union. I’m looking forward to the year ahead with joy and confidence and want to help us have another successful season.”
Aaronson joined Leeds United last summer for roughly $35 million and proceeded to register one goal and three assists in 36 league appearances. The former Philadelphia Union homegrown started off strong at Elland Road, but struggled for consistent playing time during the second half of the season.
Prior to his move to England, Aaronson featured for Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg, winning two league titles and two Austrian Cups. He has earned 29 caps for the USMNT to date, featuring in all four matches at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Aaronson has registered seven goals and five assists on the international level.
“Brenden’s commitment has made us very happy, he is a type of player we don’t have who will be good for our attacking game,” Union’s managing director of men’s professional football Oliver Ruhnert said. “Despite his young age, he already has a lot of international experience and will complement our squad at a high level.”
Union Berlin finished fourth in the Bundesliga last season, qualifying for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in its history. Die Eisernen opens the 2023-24 Bundesliga campaign on August 18 against Mainz.
Leeds fans getting mad at Aaronson for his comments about being excited to join Union.
Suck it up Leeds fans. You booed Aaronson multiple times and attacked him on social media throughout the season. Why would he want to stay and play for you?
“You booed Aaronson multiple times and attacked him on social media throughout the season.”
Those boos were well earned.
He sucked for the most part.
If Leeds had paid 10-13 million for him, people might have been more understanding. But 33 million or thereabouts?
That’s like going to a Garth Brooks concert and finding out that it is Garth Algar. I’m sure Leeds fans feel like they got scammed and ripped off. Big time.
Given the price tag, Brendan had to know that if he did not produce big time that he was going to hear it.
Of course he doesn’t want to stay.
No one likes being constantly reminded of their abysmal failure.
It’s unfortunate but understandable that the Leeds fans are angry at him.
Champions League football, good for him
If nothing else, he should already know the language. And it is definitely better than the English Championship.
Good move for him. Hopefully he can become a bit more of an attacking threat with Union.