Leeds sign Weston McKennie on loan

Leeds sign Weston McKennie on loan

Leeds United have signed American midfielder Weston McKennie on loan until the end of the season from Juventus. They have the option to sign the 24-year-old permanently at the end of the season, for a reported sum of €33 million plus add-ons.

McKennie joins a growing American contingent in Leeds spearheaded by manager Jesse Marsch. Fellow USMNT members Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson also ply their trade for the Yorkshire side. He already has 41 caps for the U.S., debuting aged 19.

McKennie moved to Europe in 2016, joining FC Schalke 04’s academy. He made 91 appearances for the German club, before moving to Juventus on loan in the 2020-21 season. He joined permanently in 2021 for a fee of up to €25 million.

McKennie played Serie A 70 games in the past three years for Juventus and has regularly featured for the side this season, appearing in 15 out of their 20 Serie A games.

However, it was made clear to McKennie that Juventus were willing to part ways with him to provide relief to their growing economic woes.

Leeds were in the market for a midfielder after Mateusz Klich moved to DC United, and had a bid for Angers midfielder Azzedine Ounahi rejected earlier in the window.

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Leeds have been dragged into a relegation battle again this season and have looked dismal at times. They need reinforcements to improve the quality of their squad and have found some already. McKennie joins fellow signings Max Wober and Georginio Rutter.

McKennie should make an immediate impression at Elland Road. He is a dynamic box-box midfielder, who presses well and gets into dangerous positions. He’s an excellent outlet up the pitch and has natural chemistry with Adams from the national team.

Whilst he might not set the world alight, he should provide a steady presence in midfield.

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