Leeds United: Union Berlin's Brenden Aaronson permanent transfer stance revealed | OneFootball

Brenden Aaronson is set to return to Leeds United at the end of the season following the end of his loan stint away from Elland Road.

According to German outlet Bild, Union Berlin have no interest in pursuing a permanent deal for the playmaker this summer.

The US international is currently on loan with the Bundesliga side, but he has struggled for form throughout the 2023-24 campaign.

And because of that, a return to Elland Road is looking the likeliest outcome at the end of the season.

Aaronson has made just nine starts in the German top flight, but three of those have come in their three most recent fixtures, having made a further 15 appearances from the bench (all stats from Fbref).

Brenden Aaronson transfer latest

It is understood that Union Berlin are unwilling to pay a permanent fee for the 23-year-old this summer.

The Bundesliga side do not believe a move would be financially viable, and are willing to part ways with the Leeds star.

Aaronson has been unable to make a major impact with the team, who have struggled for form at times this season - unable to replicate their magic from 2022-23 where they finished fourth in the Bundesliga against the odds.

The Berlin outfit qualified for the Champions League for this season, which strengthened their financial power last summer.

However, Union are now set to miss out on continental competition for next year, meaning their spending will be more limited going into the upcoming market.

While Aaronson’s transfer value has likely decreased over the last 12 months, it is still considered too high for Union Berlin to pursue.

Brenden Aaronson’s Leeds United future

It is also uncertain whether Aaronson has a future at Leeds ahead of his impending return.

The American was signed from RB Salzburg in the summer of 2022 in a deal worth a reported £24.7 million.

However, Daniel Farke is now in charge of the Yorkshire outfit, and it remains to be seen whether he has any use for the player.

He spoke out about his future earlier this month, claiming that any decision over what next is currently out of his hands.

"It's out of my hands, so I can't say much about it,” said Aaronson, via Bild.

"[Union Berlin] is great.

“In the end, it's out of my hands, but I have a lot of respect for the club and how it works.

“It's a great family club."

Leeds’ league status may also play a role in determining his future, with Farke’s side currently third in the Championship table, one point off an automatic promotion place.

Aaronson’s Union Berlin stint has been underwhelming

While Aaronson now appears to be finding form in Germany, it is a case of too little, too late for the midfielder.

He has been far from impressive, struggling for consistent game time in the top flight.

This won’t be too convincing for Farke that Aaronson is someone he must reintegrate back into the first team squad next season, especially if Premier League promotion is achieved.