Leeds United is the latest club to express a desire to acquire Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie. In the recent past, Bournemouth and Aston Villa submitted bids to purchase the American. However, he denied the both. He claims the reason is because he wants to join a ‘bigger’ club, should he move to England. Other interest for the midfielder also popped up from Borussia Dortmund and Bournemouth.
On Monday, Arsenal emerged as a potential suitor. While there was no official bid, Juventus ballparked the value of McKennie at $25 million. Yet, there is a fourth club, and potential fifth, eyeing up a move for the Little Elm, TX, native.
Leeds United joined the battle for Weston McKennie, according to Italian journalist Matteo Moretto. Other names Leeds wants in that position include Moroccan and Angers midfielder Azzedine Ounahi.
Clearly, Leeds is making a move for its midfield. The club already secured a new forward in Georginio Rutter when it spent a club-record $42.8 million. Now, it wants to shore up the middle of the park.
Leeds are in a relegation battle, as it was last season. After that struggle, Leeds made a number of signings in the summer to avoid the same situation.
Weston McKennie could join American contingent at Leeds United
Two of those summer signings are plenty familiar with Weston McKennie. Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams play regularly for the Elland Road side. All three featured for the United States at the 2022 World Cup. In fact, Adams and McKennie started each of the four games for the United States.
Additionally, Leeds has an American manager in Jesse Marsch. Marsch does not have the previous experience that he had with Aaronson at Salzburg or Adams at Leipzig. Still, there is that American familiarity, should McKennie make a move to Leeds.
PHOTO: IMAGO / Marco Canoniero
