Brenden Aaronson to join Leeds United

Brenden Aaronson to join Leeds United

Whites confirm first move of summer transfer window.

Leeds United are delighted to announce an agreement with Red Bull Salzburg for the transfer of Brenden Aaronson, which will be completed on July 1st 2022.

The 21-year-old will join for an undisclosed fee on a five-year contract, running until the summer of 2027.

Aaronson made 41 appearances in all competitions for Salzburg last season, providing 10 assists and scoring six goals, helping the club win the Austrian Bundesliga and Austrian Cup for the second season in succession.

A United States international, the attacking midfielder has won 18 caps for his country, scoring five goals, recently helping them secure qualification for the FIFA 2022 World Cup.

Coming through the ranks with Philadelphia Union, Aaronson made a goalscoring MLS debut in March 2019, netting in their 1-1 draw with Atlanta United.

He then went onto establish himself in the side on a regular basis, making a further 29 appearances during 2019 and was handed his first USA cap in February 2020.

During the 2020 MLS season, Aaronson helped Philadelphia win the Supporters’ Shield for the first time in the club’s history, whilst he was also named in the MLS Best XI at the end of the campaign.

In January 2021, the midfielder completed a move to Red Bull Salzburg for an undisclosed fee, linking up with current Whites head coach Jesse Marsch, who was in charge of the Austrian outfit at the time.

He featured 24 times in all competitions, netting seven goals, helping Marsch and Salzburg win the Austrian league and cup double.

Along with completing a second Austrian double last season, Aaronson also played 10 games in the UEFA Champions League helping Salzburg reach the last 16 of the tournament.

In the coming weeks he will link up with the USA national team for their matches against Morocco, Uruguay, Grenada and El Salvador.

The transfer is subject to the necessary international clearance and a work permit.

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