Weston McKennie signs Leeds United contract, loan-to-buy from Juventus confirmed – Fabrizio Romano
Weston McKennie has signed his Leeds United contract and his move from Juventus is now completed, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The American flew into England on Sunday after leaving the Serie A side’s game against Monza, and an official announcement is expected before the end of Monday (30 January).
The move is a loan-to-buy deal that is widely expected to become an obligation to complete the permanent signing for £30million, with the conditions highly achievable [Sky Sports Italy, 29 January].
There had been attempts from Premier League rivals to hijack the move at the final hurdle [Times, 29 January], but according to Romano that has all been avoided.
Posting on Twitter Monday evening (30 January) the Italian journalist wrote: “Official, confirmed. Weston McKennie joins Leeds United on loan deal from Juventus for €1.2m fee plus €33m buy option clause and add ons.
“Contract signed, deal completed.”
Secured
There was confidence that this one was going to get done but amid links to the likes of Arsenal, Nottingham Forest and Fulham there was always an element of doubt.
It seemed to make too much sense for McKennie to join his USMNT teammates Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams, and that is now the case.
The turmoil in Turin has made this one possible so the Whites deserve credit for taking advantage even after spending heavily this month.
Assuming these moves have the desired effect and relegation soon stops being a real concern it will have paid for itself, considering the difference between continued presence in the Premier League and relegation to the Championship.
And with Diego Llorente suddenly moving to Italy to complete a similar deal with Roma [Sky Sports, 30 January], it appears that the majority of the McKennie cost will be covered by moving on a player who was rarely playing.
Max Wober has already looked good, and Georginio Rutter’s first appearance showed encouraging signs, so if they continue in the same vein and McKennie can adapt quickly this will have to be considered a highly successful window.
In other Leeds United news, another target may have slipped out of the Whites’ grip with an approach from Everton.