Philadelphia Unions’ starlet Brenden Aaronson is heading to Europe. The 19-year-old USMNT midfielder agreed to join the Austrian side FC Red Bull Salzburg and will make a move following the end of the 2020 MLS season.
The transfer was speculated for some time now, but the holdup was in the fee that Union asked for their most-prized player. Salzburg eventually agreed to pay $6 million right away and $3 million based on incentives. With this, Aaronson broke the record as the most-expensive United States-based homegrown player in MLS history.
Reportedly, Union will also be entitled to 10 percent of any future move that Aaronson makes.
At Salzburg, Aaronson will be welcomed by fellow American Jesse Marsch, who serves as the club’s manager since 2019.
“I am looking forward to starting the next chapter of my career,” said Aaronson after the deal was made official. “As a young player I focus on growing my ability, and I have seen how Salzburg has developed so many incredible talents. The way they play football really suits my own style.”
Brenden Aaronson came through Union’s youth academy, joining the organization at 11 years old. He signed a homegrown contract with Philly in 2018 but waited for an additional year to make his debut in MLS.
Since then, Aaronson played 51 games as a pro and contributed with seven goals and five assists in the process. He also earned a call-up to the United States men’s national team and has one appearance to his name so far.
