Leeds United could still face transfer failure before January deadline – Phil Hay
The Athletic’s Phil Hay has claimed there’s a possibility Leeds United won’t sign another player in the January window.
Journalist Manuel Veth has revealed (via Twitter, 26 January) Leeds are closing in on a move for Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie.
However, Hay has since suggested it’s not a foregone conclusion that somebody will 100 per cent be joining the Whites in the coming days.
“The talk and noise this week has been around McKennie but it will come down to cash. This is by no means unusual [letting a move drag on], we’ve seen this with Gakpo and Dieng,” said Hay (Phil Hay Show, 24m, 27 January)
“Gakpo was an example of at the last-minute somebody thought a deal was there to be done. Since Klich left for DC United, it’s felt like the door has been open for a central midfielder.
“I think McKennie and Ounahi are both there to be done if somebody pays the money. It would be either or and it could be neither player at this stage. It’s not the case that Leeds are saying somebody will absolutely be coming in.”
Get it done
Hay is right to mention the Gakpo deal. It felt as if the move had dragged on throughout the whole of the summer window and then right at the very last someone decide a move should happen.
There’s been plenty of talk surrounding McKennie and does feel like a move is edging closer to being completed. If the board can get a move for the 24-year-old over the line then it would’ve been an excellent window. The Yorkshire side would have strengthened all of their problem areas, and also displayed a hefty amount of ambition.
Midfield competition was desperately required and McKennie will be wanting to make one of the starting berths his own. Tyler Adams and Marc Roca have done well since their arrival, but ultimately the competition is healthy.
Jesse Marsch now has nowhere to hide when it comes to the performances on the pitch. He was backed in the summer and he’s been backed heavily now.
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