Leeds United could reportedly seal the permanent signing of Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie in the summer on two conditions.
According to Give Me Sport journalist Dean Jones, if Javi Gracia puts the American midfielder at the centre of his project at Elland Road and if the Whites manager to avoid relegation, then McKennie is likely to join.
Leeds do have the option to buy him on a permanent basis, but Premier League safety is understood to be key.
Jones said, “I mean, there’s still other interest out there for him, but if Leeds turn the corner and Gracia puts him at the centre of the project, I think it could actually still turn out well.”
Positive early signs
McKennie is certainly a player who Jesse Marsch wanted and he perhaps even moved to Elland Road because of his American counterpart.
However, since his sacking, he has played in a pivot with Tyler Adams and the duo have been exemplary in the middle of the park for the Whites.
This goes back to them playing for the United States National Team and it makes a lot of sense for Leeds to make this permanent.
However, they’re aware that Premier League status matters and all bets may be off if they end up getting relegated.
Also, they have to be careful because clubs playing European football will have their eyes on him as he’s a player on the rise.
Gracia needs to have these conversations with the board sooner rather than later and Victor Orta needs to plan for all scenarios and that planning needs to begin soon.
