Italian outlet CMW claim that Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi is keen to sign on-loan Leeds United star Weston McKennie this summer – with the Juventus and USA midfielder’s future in doubt ahead of the summer window.
The 24-year-old joined Leeds on loan in January. It is believed that a move could be made permanent for a fee of £34million – £30million up front, and £4million more in add-ons. But with relegation a possibility, a move may fail.
Indeed, relegation to the Championship would end any chance McKennie has of joining Leeds permanently. He will not want to sign for the Whites if we do go down. But if we stay up, a permanent move is also looking unlikely.
While he impressed against Newcastle, arguably his best performance since joining, he has not done enough to earn a permanent move to Leeds. Some reports suggest survival would see Leeds have an obligation to buy him.
But it is unclear if that is true. Now, CMW say Leeds might not be the only Premier League club trying to sign him this summer. De Zerbi is said to be ‘intrigued’ by the ex-Schalke star and could now sign him with a fee of £22m.
Brighton manager De Zerbi keen to sign Leeds United star McKennie
McKennie is a top player. He really is, but he has not had it easy at Leeds. He joined thinking he would be in midfield alongside his mate Tyler Adams, under an American in Jesse Marsch. Adams is injured, three others in the dugout.
Michael Skubala, Javi Gracia and Sam Allardyce have since come in. He’s hardly had the best platform to go on and shine. Against Newcastle, he showed what he can do. If Leeds stay up, we do need to consider signing McKennie.
But for the player himself, a move to Brighton would be an exciting one. A team that look as though they will be in Europe next season. A good move for McKennie and possibly for Brighton. Leeds would be missing out, ultimately.
