Weston McKennie is on the verge of leaving Schalke this summer amid interest from a host of top clubs in Europe including Liverpool and Everton.
According to CBS Sports, Weston McKennie’s future at FC Schalke is looking bleak right now. The midfielder is expected to leave the club due to Schalke’s financial crisis inflicted by the Coronavirus pandemic. In fact, he has already attracted the interest of Premier League clubs Liverpool and Everton.
The Premier League is also the desired destination for McKennie, although Bundesliga could also suffice. The US international, who is valued at around $25 million, is looking for a club which can provide him with regular game-time week in week out.
McKennie has had a pretty average 2019/20 campaign at Schalke, however. The Royal Blues were once again one of the most disappointing teams in the Bundesliga, finishing the season in the bottom half of the table. And although the USMNT star was a vital member of the midfield, he struggled with form for the most part of the campaign.
One of the major criticism thrown at McKennie was his lack of discipline and a tendency to make bad challenges. The 21-year-old notably picked up eight yellow cards in this past season, even though it does also indicate his willingness to win the ball back for his team – something that tunes in really well with Jurgen Klopp’s tactical setup at Liverpool.
The Reds do also lack depth in the midfield department. While Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum have been excellent, James Milner is nearing the final phase of his career. Meanwhile, Adam Lallana is on the verge of leaving Anfield while Naby Keita has not exactly been successful in his Liverpool stint so far.
However, there is an argument that McKennie does lack the quality to thrive at Liverpool. In essence, the US international could be a more prudent transfer for the other Merseyside outfit in Everton.
The Toffees haven’t had much luck with the signing of Jean-Philippe Gbamin, mainly due to injury while Fabian Delph and Beni Baningime haven’t made any noticeable impact either. And following the departure of Morgan Schneiderlin, McKennie could offer some steel in midfield.
The 21-year-old could, in fact, be an ideal partner for someone like Andre Gomes. His aggression, work-rate and tenacity should combine well with the Portuguese’s more technically oriented style, thus adding a new dimension to the Everton midfield.
But at the same time, the Toffees are set to face stiff competition from a host of clubs across Europe and with McKennie also preferring a move to a club which plays European football, Goodison Park is certainly not in the player’s wishlist this summer. A move to Liverpool might be unlikely too and it remains to be seen what the future holds for McKennie.
