Leeds United’s agreement to sign Weston McKennie through an option-to-buy in the summer after his loan is now being dubbed as a “gentleman’s agreement” with Juventus.
Victor Orta and Leeds were very busy in the summer window as they attempted to strengthen the side to climb out of the relegation battle.
Jesse Marsch was the man who sanctioned such deals, but he is no longer at the helm, with Javi Gracia guiding the side to 14th ahead of this international break.
Weston McKennie to Leeds
The third and final senior deal that Leeds agreed was to bring Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie to Elland Road on an initial loan deal.
It was reported at the time that Leeds hold an option to buy the USMNT man for €33million in the summer, with the Daily Mail claiming that option would become mandatory if Leeds stayed up and the midfielder made 10 appearances – his outing at Wolves took him to nine in all competitions for Leeds.
What’s the latest?
However, contrasting reports from Italy have emerged this week suggesting that Leeds’ agreement to buy the midfielder outright is not set in stone.
That’s according to Il Bianconero, who report that the discussions between Juventus and the Whites included a “gentleman’s agreement”.
What this indicates is that there is nothing in writing for Leeds to actually go through with the deal if they do not wish to.
All of this, of course, hinges on whether Leeds stay in the Premier League or not, with the deal off the table if Gracia’s men are dumped back into the Championship.
Will Leeds stay up?
Yes
No
I would be shocked if we stayed up and backed out of the deal to sign McKennie, not only for the fact that we have seemingly agreed to take him, but for the fact that he hasn’t been bad.
There are definite areas for improvement in the midfielder’s game, but that will come with time, and he’s already having a solid impact on the side.
We needed a midfielder to replace the final third impact of Mateusz Klich, and while we’re yet to see goals, he’s showing he is that sort of player.
Mckennie has not been a great signing by any means but he might get better However we cannot be seen to back out of this deal after the Agusten affair. Clubs will not do business with us if we pull out of this agreement gentleman’s agreement or not