Brenden Aaronson aims to win back Leeds place after signing new contract
Brenden Aaronson will look to force his way back into Leeds United’s starting side when Manchester United visit Elland Road on Sunday, after the American midfielder was named among the substitutes for the Whites’ last four Premier League matches.
Competition increases after Aaronson’s new deal
The 25-year-old has committed his future to Leeds until 2029, ending any immediate uncertainty over his position ahead of the January transfer window.
Aaronson began the 2026-27 campaign in Daniel Farke’s XI but has since faced tougher selection competition following the club’s recruitment. Leeds are aiming to establish themselves in the Premier League and believe squad depth will be essential if they are to challenge for European places.
- Aaronson signed a contract extension running to 2029.
- He has been a substitute in Leeds’ past four league games.
- Leeds have added midfield options, including Ao Tanaka and Anton Stach.
- Captain Ethan Ampadu is also among Farke’s central midfield choices.
Former Leeds defender Matthew Kilgallon believes Aaronson earned the extension through his contribution last season, rather than the club merely protecting his transfer value.
“He got plenty of criticism when he first arrived, but he has changed that,” Kilgallon said. “He was regularly in Farke’s team last season, gave everything and deserved the new contract.”
Aaronson rebuilt his Leeds standing
The New Jersey-born playmaker endured a difficult first campaign at Elland Road as Leeds were relegated from the Premier League. He then left temporarily for a loan spell in Germany.
After returning to West Yorkshire, Aaronson had supporters to win over but became an important part of the side that lifted the Championship title in 2024-25. Last season he scored four Premier League goals, bringing energy and pressing intensity to Farke’s hard-running team.
He subsequently featured for the United States at a home World Cup before returning to England to sign his new Leeds agreement.
Aaronson said he felt he was moving in the right direction after his previous season with the club and wants to add more goals and assists. He also welcomed Leeds’ summer business, saying the added quality and depth could push the group higher.
Farke has midfield choices to manage
Kilgallon said Aaronson must remain patient but expects him to receive another opportunity, with Leeds requiring several strong midfielders across a demanding Premier League schedule.
He highlighted Tanaka’s display against Arsenal, describing the midfielder as outstanding and tireless, while also praising Stach and Ampadu. Kilgallon added that Aaronson has addressed concerns from his early Leeds days, when he was viewed as too lightweight.
“He has to wait for his chance, but he will get back in,” Kilgallon said. “He has worked on the areas that were questioned when he arrived.”
Manchester United next at Elland Road
Aaronson will hope Sunday’s meeting with Manchester United brings a route back into the side. He scored against the Red Devils at Elland Road last season, when the sides drew 1-1.
United arrive across the Pennines with head coach Michael Carrick under increasing pressure. Leeds, meanwhile, know rotation could become increasingly important as they seek to keep players fresh and sustain their push towards the European places.
