Leeds WIN the race to sign USA international Weston McKennie, beating off late interest from Fulham and Nottingham Forest… with the midfielder set to join on loan with a £30m option to buy
- Leeds have been chasing a deal for Juventus’ USA midfielder Weston McKennie
- They then faced late competition for him from Nottingham Forest and Fulham
- Leeds beat the rival interest to agree an initial loan with a £30m option to buy
Leeds United have beaten off late competition from Nottingham Forest and Fulham to agree a deal for Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie.
After positive talks in the last 24 hours Leeds struck agreement for a loan with an option to pay £30m for the USA international.
The deal, which includes a €1.5m (£1.3m) loan fee, is another huge statement of intent from Leeds to support manager Jesse Marsch after signing Georginio Ritter earlier in the window for £35.5m from Hoffenheim.
Leeds United have beaten off late competition to agree a deal for Juventus’s Weston McKennie
Juventus made McKennie available to loan with an option to buy earlier this month, prompting interest from Leeds.
Sportsmail previously reported how the USA international has always wanted to play in the Premier League and sees Leeds as a very interesting opportunity to live that dream
He has played a total of 70 games for Juventus scoring nine goals after joining from German side Schalke in 2020.
The deal is another huge statement of intent from Leeds to support manager Jesse Marsch
His overhead kick against Barcelona in the Champions League was one of his best for the Italian side, and he netted many more important goals in Serie A, which allowed Juventus to qualify for the Champions League in the last two years.
McKennie has played 15 league games this season, 21 in all competitions, but is considered ‘the most expendable’ of Max Allegri’s squad, despite his versatility.
He also started every match for the USA at the Qatar World Cup, as they were eliminated in the Round of 16 by Holland.
He featured in every game for the USA at the World Cup and has played 21 times for Juventus this season – McKennie will link-up with his international team-mate Tyler Adams at Leeds
McKennie’s strong physique will be of huge benefit to…