£31.1m+ Weston McKennie transfer hangs in balance at Leeds United after boardroom development at Elland Road
Weston McKennie’s future at Leeds United is immediately complicated following the dismissal of Jesse Marsch at Elland Road, with Juventus facing a triple financial hit, according to Italian media outlet Calciomercato.
The American midfielder joined the Yorkshire outfit before transfer deadline day in a loan-to-buy deal that is widely expected to become an obligation to complete the permanent signing for around £30million [Sky Sports Italy, 29 January].
With Marsch pushing for the signing of his compatriot from Juventus, reports are now circulating [Juve Live 6 February] suggesting the Whites may now not choose to exercise the option following his sacking on Monday.
And such news has now been reported in Italy’s trusted media outlet Calciomercato [7 February] which claims that the 26-year-old’s immediate future at Elland Road is “complicated” which could come as a financial blow to Juventus following the loan agreement.
The report goes on to reported that the Serie A giants, who recently were deducted 15 points for financial irregulaties could face a triple redundancy hit with midfielders McKennie, Arthur and Denis Zakaria all facing uncertain futures at their respective loan clubs, after agreements for buy options were included in the deals.
Still chance for success
Marsch’s sacking does indeed come as a huge blow to both McKennie and his parent club considering the former RB Leipzig manager personally pushed for the deal to happen.
There’s a case to argue that the player could lose motivation to perform at his highest level following Marsch’s dismissal, but that certainly seems wide of the mark.
There still remains a huge chance of success with this potential deal, seeing as the Whites desperately needed midfield reinforcements even despite of Marsch.
Whoever comes in to replace the American will certainly be inheriting an attractive and talented squad to work with, and the 26-year-old could well be one of the key performers this season.
It’s understandable Juventus are worried about taking another financial hit, but McKennie has all the makings of a top tier midfielder and the Premier League seems tailor made for him to continue his career progression but also a chance to solidify his immediate future as an English top-flight player.
He won’t take the opportunity for granted, that’s for certain.
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