George Overhill

Fri 7 April 2023 8:30, UK

Leeds United have “already decided” they will complete the permanent signing of Weston McKennie from Juventus, Calcio Mercato reports.

The American was outstanding in the 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest on Tuesday (4 April), boosting his standing at Elland Road after an up and down introduction the club.

There had been doubts over his long-term future as the obligation to complete the deal this summer, dependent on Premier League survival, was revealed to be a handshake agreement rather than a contractual stipulation.

And with the midfielder brought in for previous manager Jesse Marsch, for whom he only ended up making one appearance before his compatriots sacking on 6 February, the Whites’ intentions could have changed since the arrival of Javi Gracia, with 90min even reporting on 22 March that they weren’t planning on completing the deal at that point.

But according to Calcio Mercato the decision has now been made and as long as the manager can lead the club to safety the €34million [£30million] deal for 24-year-old will go through on contract to 2027.

Building blocks

McKennie has shown some of his quality in prior matches but all things being equal it would have seemed a bit steep to shell out £30million to keep him, even if it arguably should be a foregone conclusion if that was what was agreed.

The Forest game was somewhat of a coming out party, and with his role sure to be all the more important due to the absence of his international teammate Tyler Adams for the run in, he is starting to fulfil the expectations he arrived with.

If he and Marc Roca can man the midfield without their injured teammate and pull out some more key results then the fee could be a considered a small price to pay for remaining in the Premier League.

Given the implications in terms of the ownership situation and the development of the squad and the stadium, McKennie playing his part in the push for safety more than earns him a place in the new Leeds United era under the 49ers, but he will of course have to maintain a high level of performance.

Currently sitting in 13th the battle against the drop suddenly looks that much more encouraging, but the gap to the bottom three is still minimal and all could change with a misstep on Sunday (9 April) with the visit of Crystal Palace.

Mathematical safety is likely to be impossible before the final games of the season, but a second victory in the relegation battle in the space of the week would finally give some breathing space, and based on Tuesday night’s showing McKennie and his midfield partner are coming into form at just the right time.

In other Leeds United news, another significant summer move that was under severe doubt may also have been resurrected.

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