Jesse Marsch sacking may complicate Leeds United handshake deal to sign Weston McKennie
The sacking of Jesse Marsch may yet complicate the handshake deal for Leeds United to buy Weston McKennie from Juventus, Corriere dello Sport reports.
The American midfielder was brought in late in the January transfer window on a loan-to-buy deal, with Premier League survival set to see him made a permanent signing for €34.5million [£30.2million] with €4.5million [£3.9million] in add-ons.
But his compatriot was sacked as Whites manager just a week later on 6 February, and as the permanent redemption agreement is on a verbal basis rather than a contractual one there are some doubts around the fact that Marsch’s departure could throw a spanner in the works.
According to Corriere dello Sport on Sunday (26 March) Juventus wanted the deal to be locked in as an obligation but Leeds United insisted on keeping control over the matter and increased the total price as a compromise.
The player himself was only convinced of a loan exit from the Allianz Stadium rather than a permanent sale in the first place on the basis that he would not be stuck if relegated at Elland Road, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
It is widely expected that Premier League survival will lead to the deal going through, but the lack of a definitive signed agreement on that point, and key characters changing have left the door open to a late surprise.
Shaky
It is frankly odd that such an important agreement was waved through in the end on the basis of a handshake, because it is just asking for trouble if somebody changes their mind.
If Juventus and Leeds were both completely content with the permanent move happening based on top flight survival and 10 appearances then there was no reason not to get it down on a contract.
It is a lot of money to spend on a player if the Whites are only lukewarm about his performances come the end of the season, but it would put the club in a bad light if they reneged on the deal.
Juventus surely don’t want him back either way given they need cash now thanks to their financial wrangling, and the midfielder could end up left in limbo if it doesn’t get done.
The whole matter is obviously a moot point unless Javi Gracia keeps the club up but after the dramatic win at Wolves on 18 March and with a game in hand on three of the teams either side of Leeds United in 14th that seems a lot more doable.
Assuming it is then perhaps there will be no issues, but it seems a needlessly cavalier way for two major footballing entities to move forward with over £30million hanging in the balance based on assumptions.
In other Leeds United news, a major planned deal could see a star man return to Elland Road in the summer.
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