Weston McKennie arrived at Leeds United from Juventus with probably too much hope attached to the move. Since that loan arrival, he hasn’t had the impact required and hasn’t managed to steer the Whites clear of relegation.
The US international will be moving on in the summer should Sam Allardyce fail to secure Premier League salvation. He may be moving on even if they do avoid relegation.
There’s been various claims over the clause and whether it’s mandatory or not, but if Leeds can escape paying €35m for McKennie then they probably will do so.
Now Brighton & Hove Albion are being linked with the player, which would be a rather fortunate move. Roberto de Zerbi’s side are expected to lose at least one key midfielder in the summer, and likely more, so are looking around at options.
Calciomercatoweb say the Brighton manager is ‘intrigued’ by the player, with the report then adding: ‘Weston has always shown great qualities but has never been able to fully express them. De Zerbi will try to blow it up.’
The report seems to side with the idea Leeds United’s clause isn’t mandatory, because it says Brighton could sign McKennie from Juventus for around €25m.
That’s certainly a better price.