Phil Hay: Brenden Aaronson release clause still active at Leeds United next season if they don’t get promoted

Brenden Aaronson could well return to Leeds next season after his loan to Union Berlin, but his release clause will be active if the club aren’t promoted according to Phil Hay.

Writing for The Athletic (25 July), the journalist is reporting that the American international made the decision to leave for the Bundesliga due to their participation in the Champions

But Aaronson will still have four years remaining on his contract at Elland Road next summer and with no buy-option in the deal with Union Berlin he could return, although his release clause would still be active if the club don’t return to the Premier League.

“Leeds’ brush with the drop saw two relegation release clauses negotiated into Aaronson’s deal: one to leave permanently for a set fee; another to leave on a free loan provided a top division club covered the wages,” he wrote.

“Those clauses were activated once Leeds were relegated after the 2022-23 season. And so Aaronson will spend the season at Union, who are covering his salary but have no new purchase option.

“The 22-year-old’s release clause is only active if Leeds remain in the Championship.”

It’s fair to say that Aaronson’s debut season at Elland Road didn’t go remotely to plan for anyone, with the player struggling massively or form and fans feeling underwhelmed by the £25m signing.

He managed only one goal and three assists in 36 Premier League appearances, but somehow managed to get himself a move to a Champions League club.

But another year of regular first-team football at a higher level could help him to refine his game a little bit more, and a new manager with a more settled squad at Leeds could help too should we get promotion.

If not then the club will already know how much they can expect to receive for his services as they start to plan ahead, and if he doesn’t want to stick around despite promotion then we can be sure to ask for much more.

Overall this deal has been a win-win for everyone involved and the plan for the next 12 months is clear at least.