Leeds United have reportedly opened talks to sign Weston McKennie from Juventus before the end of the January transfer window – and the USA ace has spoken publicly about his relationship with Tyler Adams in the last few months.
McKennie, 24, is a regular for Juventus. Since joining the Old Lady initially on loan from Schalke in the summer of 2020, he has clocked up 96 appearances – just four shy of a century. But, he might not be given a chance to get 100 by Juve.
That is because Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Leeds have opened talks to lure McKennie to Elland Road this month. It came immediately after Fabrizio Romano said that Leeds are keen on teaming McKennie up with Adams in midfield.
The duo combined well in Qatar at the World Cup – along with Valencia’s Yunus Musah, another player Jesse Marsch likes. Speaking back in September ahead of the World Cup, Juve star McKennie spoke of his relationship with Adams.
“One of the things, as far as me and Tyler, have learned about each other is that he does all the running and I do all the playing. I’m just kidding. Being together for so long, knowing each other for so long, we’ve developed a relationship.
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“We know each other’s tendencies, we know each other’s abilities, we know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and how to cover for one another,” McKennie said about Adams back in September, as quoted by football website 90Min.
Leeds open McKennie talks: Ace has spoken about Adams relationship
What a signing McKennie would be. Not least, because he is a quality player with almost 100 games for a club like Juve under his belt. Not least, because he has 40 USA caps and not least, because he Leeds really need a midfielder.
But because McKennie has a bond with Adams. A relationship that is born out of years of youth football, and now, USA time together. The duo would hit the ground running together at the base of Jesse Marsch’s midfield. It seems perfect.
His fast style does not suit Juventus’ pragmatic, laid-back system under Max Allegri. He is a Premier League-type midfielder and if Leeds can pull off a deal, then it would be one of Victor Orta’s best bits of business at Elland Road.
