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Andrea Radrizzani was key in overnight negotiations with Juventus as Leeds United are now set to sign Weston McKennie, Fabrizio Romano reports.
The American midfielder is new set to travel to England to complete a medical and sign a contract ahead of a loan-to-buy move that could become permanent at the end of the season.
With USMNT teammates Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson already in the side, an agreement with the player was reached on Wednesday [Romano, 25 January] but talks between the clubs were more tricky, yet now it seems like Radrizzani has played a vital role in the final push.
Romano reported via his Instagram page on Saturday afternoon (28 January): “Leeds United have full agreement to sign Weston McKennie, deal in place and here we go!
“Understand Leeds will pay €1.2m loan fee as deal will include buy option clause for €33m plus add ons.
“Leeds president Andrea Radrizzani unlocked the deal with Juventus in the night and it’s now almost completed.
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“McKennie has agreed personal terms with Leeds.”
Top brass
Radrizzani may not be in charge at Elland Road for much longer as the 49ers come in, and the increased spending this month feels like it is being driven from San Francisco.
But it seems the Italian has proven to be the deciding factor in what might end up being a crucial signing, which could be a nice parting gift.
The longer the talks dragged on the more there was the potential for a late-window hijack from one of the other interested Premier League sides.
The final days of the month can lead to all sorts of drama, so if McKennie can be fully wrapped up by the end of the weekend it should avoid the chances of Arsenal making a late push, or Nottingham Forest who were reportedly eyeing the situation [The Athletic, 28 January].
Assuming this deal is now completed as expected then it will mean that defence, attack, and midfield have all been strengthened during the window, which should give Jesse Marsch everything he needs to ensure the relegation battle quickly becomes the worry of other teams.
The FA Cup win earlier on Saturday was a welcome win, albeit against lower-league opposition, but there can be no excuses now if some more don’t follow in the Premier League.
In other Leeds United news, the club look like they may have rescued the situation with a player who wanted to leave.