USMNT’s Brenden Aaronson Joins Bundesliga Side Union Berlin on Loan

The 22-year-old winger will feature in the Champions League this season after Union finished fourth in the German top flight.

Brenden Aaronson became the latest U.S. men’s national team star to make a major summer move with a season-long loan to Union Berlin. 

The 22-year-old played a significant role at Leeds last season with 36 Premier League appearances after arriving in the summer from RB Salzburg in a $32 million move. The winger scored one goal for the side in 40 appearances across all competitions. 

But after Leeds was relegated at the end of the season, Aaronson managed to secure a move to the Bundesliga. With Union, Aaronson will feature once again in the Champions League after the club finished fourth in the German top flight to qualify for the premier European competition for the first time in its history.

“Union’s path and the success of recent years have not gone unnoticed in the USA, Austria or England,” Aaronson said in a club statement. 

“A year ago I wouldn’t have believed that I’m here and can play in the Champions League with Union. I look forward to the year ahead with joy and confidence and I want to help ensure that we have another successful season.”

The Medford, N.J., native has made 32 international appearances for the USMNT, including four substitute appearances at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. USMNT teammate Tyler Adams is also expected to leave Leeds this summer while Weston McKennie has already left the club after his loan deal expired and the club option for a permanent transfer was not activated.