Brenden Aaronson tipped to fuel Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s Leeds impact
Leeds United will return to Premier League action against Newcastle at Elland Road on Monday, with Daniel Farke’s side still unbeaten in the league after a summer of further squad building.
Their only setback so far came in the Carabao Cup, where Leeds lost to Chelsea in the third round despite Brenden Aaronson opening his 2026-27 scoring account. The United States international, now 25, signed a new Leeds deal during the summer which runs until 2029.
Aaronson’s standing at the club has changed sharply since his first spell in West Yorkshire. He was part of the side relegated in his debut season and faced criticism after leaving on loan immediately afterwards, but returned to play his part in Leeds winning the Championship in 2024-25.
His energy and defensive effort have made him a popular figure among supporters. Former Leeds winger Jermaine Pennant believes that commitment is central to the club’s identity, arguing that fans will forgive limitations in flair when players show heart, tackle and work relentlessly for the team.
Leeds need more supply for Calvert-Lewin
There is still room for Aaronson to improve his attacking return. He scored four times in the Premier League last season and is regularly used either from a wide role or as a creative No.10, positions in which Leeds need greater end product.
Much of the responsibility in the final third remains with Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Pennant said the striker depends on quality delivery rather than producing goals alone, comparing the need for service to the way Erling Haaland benefits from chances created around him.
Calvert-Lewin has impressed in pre-season and at the start of the campaign, but Leeds must provide more crosses and passes into dangerous areas if they are to get the best from him. Aaronson, with his technical quality and willingness to cover ground, is one of the players who can help solve that issue.
Farke’s tactical adjustments helped Leeds secure Premier League survival without major drama after a difficult opening to last season. Recruitment has continued since then, with the club assembling a deeper and more competitive group as it looks to turn its solid early form into another stable top-flight campaign.
