Leeds United have found contract negotiations far from straightforward this summer, and the club have now turned their attention to another key renewal.
Alex Cairns remains the only senior player to have signed a new deal. At the other end of the spectrum, Leeds had little choice but to sell Pascal Struijk to Brighton for a fee many supporters felt was below his true value after the defender made it clear he would not be extending his contract.
Karl Darlow’s future also remains unresolved. Leeds want the experienced goalkeeper to stay, but interest from Manchester United, who hope to sign him on a free transfer, has made negotiations more complicated.
With several first-team players now entering the final year of their contracts, the Whites have identified Brenden Aaronson as the next priority for a new deal. At the same time, they are not taking any chances and have already put a contingency plan in place should talks fail to produce an agreement.
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Brenden Aaronson prioritises Leeds United stay
Leeds United are set to open talks with Brenden Aaronson over a new deal once he returns from his post-World Cup break towards the end of July or early August.
The midfielder has a year left on his contract, and The Leeds Press has exclusively learned that the Whites have an asking price in mind if negotiations stall.
However, it seems there is a willingness on both sides for Aaronson to sign a new contract and commit his long-term future to Elland Road.
According to Football Insider, Aaronson has prioritised signing a new contract and staying at Leeds over other options at the moment.
He is eager to remain at Leeds and is ready to sign a new contract that would commit his long-term future to the club.
The American midfielder feels settled at Leeds and has the confidence of manager Daniel Farke, who admires his work rate.
He has no desire to consider a move away from Elland Road at this stage of his career.
Can Leeds do better than him?
Brenden Aaronson remains one of Daniel Farke’s most trusted players, largely because of the effort and intensity he brings every time he steps onto the pitch. The United States international featured prominently throughout last season and was a regular part of the manager’s plans.
However, his attacking output continued to leave plenty to be desired. While his work rate was never in question, Aaronson struggled to provide the creativity and goals Leeds often needed in the final third.
With his contract entering its final year, this summer may represent Leeds’ best opportunity to sell him and reinvest in a more creative option.
Despite that, Farke appears determined to keep faith with the midfielder. The Leeds boss believes Aaronson still has an important part to play at Elland Road and wants the club to tie him down to a new long-term contract, despite his modest attacking returns.
