Leeds United are reportedly getting cold feet when it comes to their option-to-buy with Juventus over midfielder Weston McKennie.
The Whites made big moves in the January window to arrest their slide down the table, with three senior signings completed under then manager Jesse Marsch.
A third USMNT star was added to the side late in the window, with Weston McKennie joining from Juventus on an initial loan deal until the end of the season.
Details of McKennie’s option-to-buy
It was heavily reported that as McKennie agreed to move to Elland Road late in January, it came with an option-to-buy, as Fabrizio Romano shared details that a permanent signing would be worth €33million (£29.1m).
The Daily Mail have added to that, revealing the clauses in this agreement that would turn the option into an obligation for Leeds to buy him, that 10 appearances in a Leeds shirt and survival from relegation would lead to that deal becoming a permanent one.
What’s the latest?
Contrasting claims have now emerged from 90min, who claim that Leeds may be looking to back out of this deal heading towards the summer:
“90min understands that, as things stand, however, Leeds are not looking to keep hold of the USMNT midfielder beyond current campaign – despite having a €33m option to buy the player.”
This comes following reports from Italy that Juventus would be willing to agree a swap deal with Leeds to see McKennie move to Elland Road, while Willy Gnonto heads the other way.
Would you be happy if Leeds paid €33m for McKennie?
Yes
No
I find it hard to believe that we can just worm our way out of this option to buy, and I think it would be incredibly risky to do so after everything that happened with Jean-Kevin Augustin.
I don’t think McKennie is worth the money we are going to be paying in the summer, but I also don’t think it would harm us to have him in the side.
He is clearly a talented and skilled midfielder, who just needs to sharpen up in certain areas, such as his ball retention and choice of pass.
Having said that, he has looked like a solid box-to-box midfielder thus far.