Leeds United’s first major transfer decision looks to have come before the summer window even opens, with Brenden Aaronson set to remain at Elland Road after returning from his loan spell at Union Berlin. The Yorkshire Evening Post reported on Monday morning that after positive talks with manager Daniel Farke, the 23-year-old has decided to play a role in next season’s Championship promotion push.
Aaronson was one of several Leeds players to force an exit on loan after relegation from the Premier League, with the American among the first to leave just days after that final-day defeat against Tottenham Hotspur. And he certainly wasn’t the last, with a total of 17 stars leaving permanently, on loan or as free agents over the following months.
Below, the YEP has taken a look at how each of those 17 summer exits has got one over the past 10-12 months, and there could even be a few more returning to West Yorkshire in the near future.
7. Tyler Adams
Suffered more horrible injury luck since his £20m summer move to Bournemouth, playing just 142 minutes due to hamstring and back injuries. Did return in May and fit enough to be in the USMNT squad for this month's friendlies. | Getty Images
8. Marc Roca
Midfielder's loan spell at Real Betis has not been without any fitness issues, but both parties seem keen on extending his stay in Spain. Reports have suggested his loan clause will be active again, with Leeds failing to achieve promotion. | Getty Images
9. Adam Forshaw
Initially joined Norwich City as a free agent when his contract expired, but has his deal at Carrow Road terminated in January. Subsequently joined fellow Championship outfit Plymouth Argyle and picked up 13 appearances in the second-half of the season. | Getty Images
10. Sam Greenwood
Impressed in spells at Middlesbrough with five goals and three assists in 37 league appearances. Championship side are thought to have opted against a £1.5m option to buy, however, and so he will return to Leeds this summer. | Getty Images
11. Brenden Aaronson
Loan spell at Union Berlin was not plain sailing but the 23-year-old came up with a couple of crucial late goals to help secure Bundesliga survival. The YEP reported on Monday that Aaronson looks set to play for Leeds again after positive talks with manager Daniel Farke. | Getty Images
12. Helder Costa
Left by mutual consent in October with no first-team involvement in sight. Has been out of action since but is now reportedly close to joining Portuguese Primeira Liga side Vitória Sport Clube. | AFP via Getty Images