Farke has an Aaronson replacement who hasn’t played for Leeds since 2024
da doce： Leeds United will no doubt have a huge task on their hands to secure Premier League survival this season, but it appears Daniel Farke’s look hugely up to the task.
da betway： The German has currently led his side to a three-game unbeaten run in England’s top-flight, subsequently securing five points out of a possible nine available.
He’s switched to a 3-5-2 formation over recent weeks, which appears to have made the difference and inspired the club on their pitch and subsequently bolstering their chances of staying in the Premier League.
Players like Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Ao Tanaka have both found massive form in recent outings, which has no doubt aided the recent upturn in results.
However, the same can’t be said for one first-team member who has once again fallen below the huge expectations placed upon him by the fanbase at Elland Road.
Why Aaronson has struggled in 2025/26
Brenden Aaronson is a player who has constantly divided opinion amongst the Leeds fanbase during his time in Yorkshire, with his £25m price tag no doubt playing a factor.
The American international struggled during his first stint in the Premier League, but managed to impress in the Championship during the promotion-winning campaign.
He managed to score nine times in his 46 league appearances, subsequently featuring in every second-tier outing and playing a key role at the heart of Farke’s side.
However, in 2025/26, he’s often been asked to operate in a right-wing position, something which has no doubt affected his performance levels in the Premier League.
Aaronson has only started four games to date and has only been able to create 1.2 chances per 90 – with such a tally ranking him within the bottom 30% of all players in the division.
He’s also completed just 35% of the dribbles he’s attempted, whilst also completing just 0.5 crosses per 90 – subsequently struggling to provide the goods in attacking areas.
As a result, he could find himself further down the pecking order in the near future, or worse, potentially being offloaded by the hierarchy to generate funds.
The Leeds star who could end Aaronson’s stay
With the January transfer window now rapidly appearing on the horizon, the Leeds hierarchy could once again be preparing moves to invest in new talent.
However, it remains to be seen how much the board will hand Farke to make the additions to strengthen their squad in their hunt for survival towards the end of the season.
Another question mark could come over what additions are needed, especially given the recent switch in formation which could require a different profile of addition.
As a result, the hierarchy could look towards some of the players who are already on the books to help provide the quality, including some players who are out on loan.
Joe Gelhardt is one player who is spending the season away from Elland Road, with the 23-year-old currently featuring for Hull City in the Championship.
Such a move was crucial for his development after the Whites’ promotion, but it appears that it’s already worked wonders – with the attacker producing some incredible numbers.
In his 19 appearances for the Tigers to date, the youngster has already netted 10 goals and provided two assists – subsequently demonstrating his all-round quality in the final third.
The former of the two tallies currently ranks him joint-second in the goalscoring charts, with such numbers potentially handing the German the added attacking options he craves.
His underlying stats further highlight the quality he possesses, which could see him end Aaronson’s career in Yorkshire should the club decide to recall him in the coming weeks.
Gelhardt has registered 1.6 shots on target to date, which also placing 52% of his shots within the sticks – further showcasing his talents when in front of the opposition goal.
Joe Gelhardt – stats at Hull City
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
19
Goals & assists
12
Shot on target accuracy
52%
Pass accuracy
75%
Shots on target
1.6
Successful dribbles
1.8
Duels won
6.4
Fouls won
2.1
Stats via FotMob
He’s also completed 1.8 successful dribbles per 90, whilst creating 1.7 chances per 90, which has led to Jamie Carragher previously labelling the forward as “special”.
The youngster’s all-round quality is further reflected in his tally of 6.4 duels won per 90, whilst also winning 2.1 fouls per 90 – often tormenting the opposition at any given opportunity.
It’s unclear whether he could return to Elland Road this winter, but it’s evident that Gelhardt is certainly reaping the rewards of constant game time in the Championship.
Any return could further push Aaronson down the pecking order, which in return would all but end his once-promising career as a first-team member in Yorkshire.
Leeds star is fast becoming their best bargain since Pablo Hernandez
Leeds have now stumbled across their best bargain since Pablo Hernandez in this exceptional performer at Elland Road.
ByKelan Sarson