The Whites failed with multiple efforts to snare away Aaronson from Salzburg in January, with the Austrians determined to keep him as they were playing in the Champions League.
However, Leeds managed to seal a deal for the midfielder earlier this week for €29m, finally adding one more option to their midfield, a position they have been keen to bolster since last summer.
Salzburg sporting director Freund revealed that the Yorkshire giants did everything they could to snare away the American to Elland Road.
Freund admitted that given Leeds managed to stay afloat in the Premier League, there was no way Salzburg could hold on to Aaronson owing to the financial reality of football.
“Leeds came to us some time ago and did everything they could to make this transfer happen”, Freund told Salzburg’s official site.
“After they managed to stay up, it was clear to us that we would have to agree to Brenden’s wish to leave due to the economic circumstances.
“We had a wonderful and successful time with Brenden over the past 18 months, and we are pleased that this fantastic and nice young footballer is moving to the best league in the world.
“We wish him all the very best!”
Leeds fans will be hoping that the club’s hierarchy will back boss Jesse Marsch further in the window, having only managed to maintain their top flight status by the skin of their teeth on the final day of the Premier League season.
