Leeds United cannot let FA Cup evidence cloud Brenden Aaronson sale decision, he has earned transfer reprieve

Leeds United are facing a difficult decision over the future of attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson this summer.

The American international is heading into the final year of his contract at Elland Road, leaving the West Yorkshire outfit faced with a situation where they must either tie him down to a new deal or contemplate the idea of selling him.

Daniel Farke has relied heavily on the 25-year-old upon his team’s return to the Premier League, and the star has paid back his manager’s faith with some typically energetic displays.

However, Aaronson has been in the firing line from supporters once again in the aftermath of the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea in Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final, after he missed a glaring chance to put his team ahead in the 14th minute.

Aaronson went through one-on-one in the early stages of Leeds’ defeat to Chelsea, but he could only find the outstretched leg of goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, rather than the back of the net.

FA Cup exit shows up familiar Brenden Aaronson issues

Tensions ran high on and off the pitch as Leeds exited the FA Cup at the penultimate hurdle on Sunday afternoon, as they were agonisingly denied a rare shot at a major trophy.

Aaronson’s miss stands out as one of their big ‘what if’ moments from across the 90 minutes, and it has raised familiar concerns among supporters regarding his quality and end product.

The former Red Bull Salzburg man has often been labelled as a player who doesn’t produce enough in front of goal, and those discussions have opened up again after his team’s FA Cup loss.

However, it is vital that Farke and the Leeds hierarchy look beyond that when it comes to deciding his future, as he brings so much more to the table than what he is often credited for.

Leeds’ energy and tireless press have played a huge role in them being on the verge of securing safety in the Premier League, and Aaronson’s work rate has been a central part of that.

He has also chipped in with nine goal involvements, a return which should not be sniffed at in the context of an unfancied, newly-promoted team.

Farke has trusted him to start 27 games in the league this season, and as a result, the club would be foolish to sell him and rob the boss of one of his key figures.

Where are Leeds at with Brenden Aaronson offers?

Football Insider recently revealed that Leeds are expecting offers for Aaronson this summer, if he impresses for the USA in their home World Cup.

The midfielder is expected to have a number of clubs that use the tournament as a chance to keep a close eye on him, while moves could potentially be made for him in the latter half of the summer break.

However, Leeds are keen to try and keep hold of Aaronson after the impact he has made this season, and they are also planning to sit down for contract talks with him upon his return from the World Cup.

The club are hopeful that he will remain a part of their squad for next season, but are also extremely wary about the prospect of him potentially running down the remainder of his contract.

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