Leeds United have faced a few challenges over contract renewals this summer, and the club have now turned their attention to a new priority.
Alex Cairnes is the only player who has extended his stay at Elland Road. Leeds had to sell Pascal Struijk for a relatively low fee to Brighton after he decided against signing a new contract.
Leeds are also struggling to convince Karl Darlow to sign on fresh terms, amid interest from Manchester United, who want to take him to Old Trafford on a free transfer.
The club have a few players who are in the final year of their deals, and Leeds have prioritised offering one of those stars a new deal in the coming months.
Leeds United prioritise new contract for Brenden Aaronson
Brenden Aaronson was included in the United States squad for the World Cup, but played only a limited role as they reached the last 16 of the tournament.
With the US out of the World Cup, Aaronson is expected to report for pre-season training toward the end of July following an end-of-season break.
The United States international has entered the final year of his contract, leaving Leeds with an important decision to make over his future this summer.
And according to Football Insider, Leeds have prioritised offering him a new deal to secure their investment in the midfielder this summer.
Leeds are expected to hold talks with the midfielder and his representatives once he returns for pre-season, with a new contract set to be high on the agenda.
The Whites do not want the situation to fester, and are hoping to finalise terms on a new deal and tie him down at Elland Road.
However, if a new contract has not been agreed by January, Leeds are prepared to put him up for sale during the winter transfer window.
The Whites do not want to lose Aaronson on a free transfer next summer. They are willing to wait for him to sign a new deal in the coming months or sell him in the winter window.
Is he worth a new deal?
Brenden Aaronson remains one of Daniel Farke’s trusted players, largely because of his relentless work rate and commitment to the team. The United States international played a key role in Leeds United’s squad throughout last season.
However, attacking output remained a huge concern, and he just didn’t create enough chances or score enough goals to justify his continued selection.
With a year left on his contract, this could be Leeds’ best opportunity to sell him and bring in a more creative upgrade in the ongoing transfer window.
However, Farke seems convinced that Aaronson deserves a new deal and a continued stay at Leeds, despite his poor attacking numbers.
Replace not prem quality
Aaronson is valuable to Farke through his industry and effort but insufficient end product combined with his inability to withstand the opposition’s physicality make him a light weight liability at times.