Leeds already have a big upgrade on Aaronson who's out on loan

In their attempts to survive in the Premier League during the 2022/23 season, Leeds United spent big to try and maintain their top-flight status, having funds to spend after Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha’s departures.

Georginio Rutter was signed for £35m during the January transfer window but was unable to prevent relegation, staying with the Whites as they dropped into the Championship.

The Frenchman would star under Daniel Farke, helping the side reach the play-off final, but he would depart in a £40m deal, joining Brighton with the club making a profit on their big-money investment.

Given their second-tier status, they’ve been restricted as to how much of the money received they can splash on new signings, potentially waiting to see if they will be playing in the Premier League next season.

One of their other big-money signings from their time in the top flight has struggled to match the impact of Rutter at Elland Road, leading to mixed opinions over his time in Yorkshire.

Brenden Aaronson’s time at Leeds United

American international Brenden Aaronson joined Leeds back in the summer of 2022, looking to offer that added threat in attacking areas for the Whites.

Whilst he managed to register four combined goal contributions in his debut year in England, he was unable to prevent the drop into the second tier, leaving on loan to feature for Union Berlin in the Bundesliga last season.

However, the 25-year-old would return to Yorkshire ahead of 2024/25, registering eight goals and two assists to date, but only one of which has come in 2025.

There’s no denying his work rate, but he’s often lacked that quality in the final third at times, presenting an inconsistent figure for Farke in his quest for promotion.

The hierarchy may have been better off keeping hold of one player who’s currently out on loan during the current campaign, potentially providing an upgrade on Aaronson.

The Leeds player out on loan who’s an upgrade on Aaronson

After the playoff final defeat at the end of 2023/24, it was crucial that Leeds came back with a vengeance – something which they’ve evidently done, currently sitting at the top of the table.

Big money sales such as Rutter were made to balance the books, with Aaronson subsequently having more responsibility as a result of the Frenchman’s departure.

However, despite his move away from Elland Road, Sam Greenwood was once again loaned out after spending the season prior on loan at Middlesbrough.

The 23-year-old registered five goals and three assists for Michael Carrick’s side as they narrowly missed out on a play-off place, returning to Yorskhire after his successful stint.

He’s since moved to Preston North End on loan for the current campaign, impressing once again with seven goals and two assists across all competitions – having more than enough quality to feature in the Whites’ first team.

When comparing his underlying stats with Aaronson’s, Greenwood, who’s previously been dubbed “superb” by Preston’s media team, has outperformed the American in numerous key areas – highlighting his quality.

The former Arsenal youngster has registered more progressive carries and achieved a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate, demonstrating his quality in attacking areas.

He’s also completed more crosses and won more tackles, having a huge impact in and out of possession, potentially making him perfect for Farke’s current system.

Whilst he still remains a Leeds player, the decision to loan him out may have been the wrong one, with Greenwood having the skill set to offer added quality to the side.

Even if the club secures promotion at the end of the campaign, the youngster has the tools to be a squad player in the Premier League, potentially allowing the hierarchy to cut their losses on Aaronson this summer.

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