Will you forgive Brenden Aaronson?

Leeds United are set to make Brenden Aaronson part of Daniel Farke's Championship squad for the 2024/25 promotion bid. Having spent a season away from Elland Road, Aaronson engaged in talks with Leeds and Farke that club sources say went positively, leading to a decision to bring him back into the fold. The YEP understands Aaronson had the option to return to Union Berlin and there was interest from elsewhere but his preference was to come back to Leeds to be part of the promotion effort. Leeds believe that the 23-year-old could be a considerable asset in the Championship, particularly in an area of the pitch that lacked depth last term. Georginio Rutter eventually made the number 10 position his own, but the Frenchman struggled to maintain consistency after a March international break hernia operation.

The elephant in the room, of course, is Aaronson's initial decision to leave the club upon relegation, rather than staying to put it right but Leeds believe the precedent set by Willy Gnonto will stand in the American's favour. Gnonto, who did not have a release clause in his contract, attempted to leave the club via a transfer request and was stood down from first team involvement at the start of the campaign before fighting his way back into Farke's plans and fan affections, becoming more influential as the season went on. Should Aaronson follow in Gnonto's footsteps and prove his ability on the pitch in the second tier, Leeds believe there is a way back with supporters. Though Farke went on record to suggest bringing back a player who did not want to be at the club could be likened to warming up leftover food, he was also clear that second chances are possible.