Leeds United have signed USMNT forward Brenden Aaronson in a £25 million deal from Red Bull Salzburg.
The 21-year-old has had a journeyman career, having played in three different clubs in the United States of America and Austria. His latest adventure takes him to England, where he will line up under Jesse Marsch, former Red Bull Salzburg coach who he has worked with before.
He is the first signing for Leeds following their incredible last day performance that saw them confirm their Premier League status. The club is preparing to lose a few players including stat man Raphinha and Jack Harrison. Daniel James could possibly be on his way out, after having failed to make an impact since his move to Elland Road from Old Trafford two seasons ago.
Head coach Marsch, who succeeded Marcelo Bielsa in February and is preparing for his first full season as a Premier League manager, told the club’s website after the announcement of Aaronson’s signing: “Brenden is an incredibly hard worker and we’re pleased to welcome him to the club.
“He adapts very well to tactical ideas and levels of play and his mentality is to do whatever it takes to help the team succeed. I know he will fit in here perfectly with our players and club with this mindset.”
Aaronson pleased with Marsch reunion
Aaronson also expressed his pleasure at being reunited with Marsch, with whom he worked for a few months before he was axed from the RB Salzburg role.
“Jesse is a fantastic coach,” said the 21-year-old winger. “I worked with him for half-a-year at Red Bull Salzburg and he was amazing. I was grateful to work with him then and I am grateful to work with him again, so I am excited.
“With the half-year I played under him, he taught me a lot. He taught me how to get into the final third to score goals and get assists, so that’s something I am looking to bring here.
“I’ve heard about what the fans like about players here and I feel like I can be that type of player. I am a hard worker, I have this creative side to me and I think I fit this Leeds recipe in a player.
“The way Jesse wants to play, I learned a lot about the system and flourished under that system, so I am really excited to get back into it again.”
