Harrison hope and Wober decision - Leeds United loanee transfer verdict given after Aaronson call

Brenden Aaronson will be part of Leeds United's Championship squad next season - with Daniel Farke now set to make decisions on ther club's other returning loanees.

The Whites need to offload players this summer, and those who opted to leave Elland Road on temporary deals this time last year could be the ideal candidates to bring in some welcome transfer revenue. However, as is the case with Aaronson, some could also be handy additions to the squad ahead of another long campaign - especially if others from the existing squad are to be sold.

Leeds might be forced to replace key players such as Crysencio Summerville or Willy Gnonto, so being able to do so without splashing the cash could be a win-win for Farke. The question is, which of the returning loanees are up for it and, just as importantly, up to it. Here are the verdicts from our Leeds United writers.

READ MORE: Gnonto advice on return, early Leeds United pelters and hill Farke won't die on

READ MORE: Leeds United's £80m transfer solution to emulate Brenden Aaronson plan

Beren Cross

Minds had been, understandably, shut off to the futures of Leeds United’s returning loanees this summer. Bridges felt like they had been burned and, as Daniel Farke put himself in February, food never tastes as good when it’s been reheated in a microwave.

News of positive talks between Daniel Farke and Brenden Aaronson filtered out of Elland Road on Monday morning. The American fell into that aforementioned category of forgotten players with no future in LS11, but the manager’s blessing on his return has recalibrated squad matters.

There are eight others currently set for Thorp Arch returns who remain under contract beyond the end of this month. Fringe names like Jeremiah Mullen, Sam Greenwood and Darko Gyabi may either slip seamlessly into the background or find moves again this summer, but the other five are senior names with no interest in sitting on second-tier benches.Leeds are yet to have the same Aaronson-level of clarity with that quintet up to now, but should any of them be retained?

Jack Harrison is probably the easiest way out of that thorny nest. The winger has put in the most hard yards with the Whites, provides a link back to the Marcelo Bielsa era and would, on his day, have the Championship on toast nowadays. If I were pushed for one of the four with less going in their favour, Max Wober is probably my pick with a gun held to my head.

The manner of Wober’s exit last summer left a sour taste in the mouth. LeedsLive understands the Austrian had verbally committed to being a part of Farke’s plan in the second tier and was set to be included in the Monaco friendly in York, only to pull the rug at the 11th hour.

As the team prepared to depart, Wober told Farke he would not be travelling because of an impending move to Germany. That bridge would take an almighty amount of rebuilding, but he’s one I would back to impress in the Championship.If Liam Cooper moves on, Wober is a left-footed defender with the physical characteristics that would suit the second tier and plug a hole for Farke. I would find it hard to see it working in reality, however.

James Smailes

It's almost like picking which of your ex-girlfriends would you like back in your life most, after you've already moved on and come to terms without seeing any of them ever again. Harsh? Maybe, but there's a real truth to the fact Leeds United supporters have moved on from the transfer mistakes of the past. The new board and manager Daniel Farke certainly have, as last summer's recruitment proved, but now comes the unwanted reminder as Leeds prepare to welcome back a host of players that Farke probably doesn't want.

Maybe that's a little overboard given he'd probably love to have a player of Jack Harrison's experience and quality back in his side, even more so with Crysencio Summerville expected to be departing and who knows about Wilfried Gnonto, also. Harrison won't want to stay in the Championship, though. Likewise, Marc Roca has his sights set on a return to Spain with Real Betis and Spaniard Diego Llorente hopes to remain at AS Roma, although that deal is far from guaranteed at present.

Cody Drameh is coming back and while it's not gone great for him so far, Farke does need some depth to his squad for all eventualities and for one more year, I'd keep the young full-back around to see if he can progress within the Leeds system now he's picked up loan experience in the Championship.

The fact Middlesbrough didn't want to keep Sam Greenwood should provide some warning signs about whether he's ready for a club pushing for the title, while Rasmus Kristensen is not a player I'd look to keep around, neither is Max Wober for that matter. Joe Rodon's future is unknown, but if he stays Wober is not needed and even if Rodon doesn't come, I feel there are better options out there for Leeds at a more realistic value.

That just leaves Brenden Aaronson. The USA international is not a player I expected back, but back he comes and while there is a lot of frustration from supporters to get past, he can do that if he rolls his sleeves up and makes an instant impact. Aaronson needs a massive August in terms of his performances. If he can provide that, he can work his way back into favour, but it'll take something special.

Stuart Jamieson

Can Leeds afford not to utilise at least some of their returning loan stars? They have might the right call with Aaronson in my book, and can use the examples of Crysencio Summerville and Willy Gnonto as perfect examples of what a good season in the Championship can do for your career.

Of the other returnees, my big pitch would be to Jack Harrison. He understandably wants to stay in the Premier League, but if Summerville leaves then Leeds could offer him a first-team spot and the chance to get his career back in full flow. The former Manchester City wideman should be hitting his peak years and will not not only shine at Championship level, but will help propel Leeds back towards the top flight, Farke spoke at times about certain experience gaps last season, and Harrison will certainly help on that front.

While it would be tempting to keep Rasmus Kristensen given the problems at right-back, I would be more inclined to give Cody Drameh a chance and cash in on the Dane. The youngster didn't enjoy the best of times at Birmingham, but has potential to develop yet, while the cash for Kristensen can be better used.

It's a similar situation for fellow Roma loanee Diego Llorente, but I would be tempted to keep Max Wober. He's versatile and while we didn't see too much of him following his January 2023 move, he showed he has something about him, Whether he would be persuaded to stay is another matter. Marc Roca can stay with Betis providing the price is right and if Sam Greenwood is not going to feature this season then it's time to part company.