Juventus dreams of Leeds United safety with £34.3m at stake
Juventus are dreaming of Leeds United securing their Premier League status for next season with a potential permanent £34.3m sale of Weston McKennie at stake, according to Calciomercato.
The American international left the Serie A giants at the end of the January window, with the Yorkshire side holding the option to make his move permanent in the summer in a potential £30m deal, in the event of the club securing their top-flight berth for next season.
However, such a move could prove difficult given Leeds’ difficult situation and also McKennie currently not exhibiting the kind of form that would warrant anything like the fee in excess of £30m+, though Juventus are still harbouring hopes that the Elland Road outfit can get the job done.
“A point. The one that separates Leeds United from the relegation zone. One point is what Juve also hope Leeds can keep until the end of the season.
“Because otherwise the chances that the English club can redeem Weston McKennie would be significantly reduced, with Juve who on the contrary would absolutely like to confirm that 34.5 million sale plus another 4.5 million in bonuses”, as revealed by the Italian outlet Calciomercato [28 April].
Dreams dashed
The way Leeds United are playing right now, it certainly does not seem as if they wish to keep McKennie’s services on a more permanent basis for next season which could mean Juventus’ dreams of a £30m+ windfall could be dashed.
The onus has been on the midfielder to impress at Elland Road for the remainder of the campaign, and for the Whites to also confirm their status in the Premier League again.
However, the American international has struggled for consistency which has been no fault of his own. With his international teammate Tyler Adams currently keeping the treatment table warm, Javi Gracia has remained firm in sticking with McKennie who has performed in fits and spurts but not fully grabbing the acclaim of the Elland Road faithful.
It remains to be seen whether Leeds United are hugely anticipating paying the £34m that’s been quoted and should they suffer the dreaded fate of losing their Premier League status, they could inexplicably save millions which is ironic because relegation will ultimately lead to their financial undoing in the long-term.
It’s up to McKennie to make sure he proves he’s worth every penny.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites have confirmed they want a new version of one under-fire senior player in an official update.