Legalities aside, it's kind of hard to imagine BA insisting on staying with Leeds if they don't want him and he has a reasonable opportunity elsewhere. It's not like this is Man City and a kid thinking he's going to change minds and become one of the best of the best. Like, having a convo with a Championship team where they say "we don't really think we can use you, we have no plans for you, how about another loan to the Bund" and the player is like "Screw that, I'll live in LEEDS, dang it, and PROVE I'm Championship quality!!" seems... unlikely. (At least, I'd hope it was unlikely...)
No, they can't force him to. If he doesn't like the destination, he can say no for any reason - doesn't like the weather, the food there is terrible, the women are ugly - or none at all. That said, if a BL1 side comes in offering his full salary, you can be sure he'll be on his way and the Leeds chairman might even drive him to the airport. There's surely a relegation clause in his contract, which meant a 30% salary cut (maybe more) in the event of them going down. If there wasn't - Brenden was in demand when he moved - Leeds are in a spot of bother financially with their parachute payments being cut. Even if they aren't (the new investor's money will help), allocating 2.2 million sterling from a 35 million salary budget to a single player who's struggled with the physicality of the English game may not be what they want to do. TBH the "unfinished business" comment is pure PR spin, probably written by Leeds' marketing department IMO. If the likes of, say, Gladbach and certainly the EL sides offer a 75-100% salary loan deal in August, he'll be gone in a New York minute
We need a thread title adjustment. If it’s Leeds, BS Bleeds! Brenden Aaronson at Leeds Utd In a friendly today, Leeds 2-0 Valencia From LeedsLive: “11 Brenden Aaronson (on for Gnonto 64min) Didn't have any impact on the game. Some boos when he came on. 5” We may be in for a long season, rooting for BA but not for his team.
I watched the game. Graham Smyth from the Yorkshire Evening Post gave him a seven, and the YouTube content creators were pleased. I thought he looked sharp and strong. The team is looking great as well. I see a good year coming!
Came off the bench in the 72nd: 📋 Your #LUFC Starting XI... pic.twitter.com/JOikeedGPz— Leeds United (@LUFC) August 10, 2024 Scored very late: AAAAARRRRROOONNNNSSSSOOOONNNN!!! pic.twitter.com/DutMjrLbdf— Leeds United (@LUFC) August 10, 2024
He looked sloppy and lightweight then scores a very nice goal to rescue the tie. Then misses an absolute sitter to win the game. Ok absolute sitter may be a bit harsh (it wasn’t a tap in) but really felt like he should have hit the corner with only the keeper to beat.
Would have been amazing if he'd slotted home the winner, and folx will be rightfully aggrieved that he didn't. But saved them a point and demonstrated what a great asset he will be for them this season.
You basically described his game in a nutshell. This is what you come to expect from him. I’ve always said he’s the most frustrating player in our player pool.
Yep, BA was both the hero and the scapegoat. Scores the equalizer but fails to score the winner. And “fails to score” is the correct way to characterize it, since the goalkeeper didn’t even have to make the save. Ugh - so damn disappointing. And while I’m kvetching, might as well toss in that the P+ app is trash. For sports, if the game is in progress, you can’t choose to start the game from the beginning or watch live from that point in time. Wish EFL was back on ESPN + because their interface is better and not slooooow to load like P+.
The goal he did score was significantly more difficult which is even more frustrating. I thought he looked pretty lively and did ride a few challenges, but also was a bit too exuberant at times and lost the ball. If he can build consistency he will be fine.
From Farke: “Just a hug from me [for Aaronson], no words are needed. He is the most disappointed lad in the dressing room. Back from his loan and wants to prove his worth — he could have been the hero. Normally a player of his quality scores this and everyone sings his name. Takes time to win the crowd back and be trusted." https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/...inted-stars-performance-vs-portsmouth-4737219 Could have been worse for Leeds but tying newly promoted Portsmouth at home isn't how you want to start a run for promotion.
They allowed 3 goals at home against Pompey. That's obviously the issue. His was still a positive contribution, but optics & confirmation bias weighs him down. Which is harder to do these days. He's at the lower of end of normal size-wise. Which makes him look huge.