Leeds United have reached an agreement with Juventus for Weston McKennie
According to reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano on Twitter, Premier League side Leeds United have reached an agreement with Juventus for Weston McKennie.
The 24-year-old joined the Bianconeri in 2020, originally on loan before making the shift permanent a year later. During the two seasons in Turin, McKennie managed 13 goals and five assists in 96 appearances.
The USMNT star has had his moments in Serie A but never quite managed to establish himself in the Juventus first XI. Capable of being a match-winner, McKennie’s arrival in the Premier League will be a huge boost for a struggling Leeds side.
Jesse Marsch’s side have struggled to live up to their fast start to the campaign and are just one point off the relegation spots. While there has been significant investment in the summer, they still appear to lack drive and bite going forwards, especially in the midfield.
Weston McKennie to Leeds, here we go! Understand Leeds will pay €1.2m loan fee — deal will include buy option clause for €33m plus add ons 🚨⚪️🇺🇸 #LUFC
Leeds president Radrizzani unlocked the deal with Juventus in the night.
McKennie has agreed personal terms with Leeds. pic.twitter.com/mY1g6Fuql0
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 28, 2023
McKennie’s arrival solves that to a large degree and gives Marsch a player who can drive forward with the ball, opening up space for others as well. A versatile player, the 24-year-old can play anywhere across the midfield and even in the defence if needed.
The agreement was struck last night between Juventus and Leeds after the Yorkshire club’s president, Andrea Radrizzani stepped in. McKennie will originally arrive at Elland Road on loan until the end of the season for a deal worth €1.2m. The Premier League side have the option to make the agreement permanent for €33m plus add-ons in the summer. The player has already agreed to personal terms and is expected to give the side a shot in the arm regarding their fight for survival.
Juventus are in turmoil on and off the field and McKennie has done well to move away from Turin for the time being. He is not an indispensable player for Massimiliano Allegri and could do with a fresh start elsewhere.
Marsch has the reputation for improving young players and is adding an American identity to the Leeds locker room following the summer arrivals of Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson. The presence of familiar names should make it easier for the 24-year-old to adapt to new surroundings.
McKennie is a gifted footballer, who has what it takes to thrive in Europe’s top leagues. What he needs now is a fresh start and regular playtime, both of which are available at Leeds. The signing can be considered a coup for the Yorkshire club, given that Tottenham Hotspur were also very interested in the USMNT star’s services.