Leeds is about to pull off a massive coup by signing Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie.
After turning down moves to Bournemouth and Aston Villa this window, it is surprising that Weston McKennie is now ready to settle on a move to Leeds United.
According to Fabrizio Romano, “Weston McKennie has accepted Leeds United contract proposal, personal terms are not an issue – it’s on Leeds and Juventus now.
“The two clubs are discussing on conditions of the deal to understand how to proceed in new round of talks.”
It seems strange that he would opt for Leeds, particularly over Villa who are ten points above them in the Premier League and look to be rejuvenated under Unai Emery.
Why is McKennie joining Leeds?
The obvious assumption is that McKennie is heading to Elland Road to be with his fellow Americans. Jesse Marsch is their manager and they have just appointed former USMNT midfielder Chris Armas as their new assistant head coach. On the playing side, they have Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson who are both teammates of McKennie on their national side.
McKennie needs to find a club where he can play regularly in his right position, which has not always been the case for him under Massimiliano Allegri at Juventus. At Leeds, he will be one of their most talented players and should form a great partnership with Adams in midfield.
McKennie has fought relegation battles in the past whilst at Schalke, with Leeds still in danger of the drop this season, they will need his experience to help them get out of this one.
Should he be holding out for a better move?
McKennie has been linked with some top sides including Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund.
The player has also turned down moves to Villa and Bournemouth, so it appears odd that he has agreed to join Leeds who are just one point above the relegation zone.
Of course, at Juventus, he has not always played, they have their financial issues and have just lost 15 points in Serie A because of this. Taking this into account, it makes sense for him to leave The Old Lady. However, a move to Leeds does feel like a step-down.
Instead of playing in the Champions League which he has done with both Juventus and Schalke, with Leeds, he will be trying to prevent them from playing in the Championship next season.
However, Leeds is still a big club with a massive fanbase. The two clubs that McKennie has been at so far in his career are both well-supported clubs too, so he should fit in well at Elland Road.
The most important factor for the player would be enjoying playing every week at a club he can further develop with. McKennie is still just 24 years old and with his county co-hosting the next World Cup, it is imperative that he plays regularly ahead of this tournament. Joining a club with his international teammates will be an added bonus.