Permanent deals for Max Wober and Georginio Rutter may have dominated Leeds United’s headlines for much of the January transfer window, but there was a final flourish in the closing days of the month. Weston McKennie has technically arrived on loan, but all parties expect him to become a long-term Leeds player in the summer.
We know McKennie is close with Tyler Adams, plays for the USA national team and has featured regularly in the Champions League with Serie A giants Juventus, but what else? LeedsLive spoke to Mirko Di Natale, a journalist with TuttoJuve.com and Radio Bianconera, about the American.
What is McKennie's best role on the field? How did Juventus get the best out of him on the pitch?
In these three years, McKennie has played in every position in midfield. His great flexibility is ideal for any coach. For me, he is a number eight, a box-to-box player who is very good at attacking and defending. You will see he will also score some good goals at Leeds.
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What are McKennie's main strengths and weaknesses? Does he seem suited to Premier League football? Did he settle in Serie A?
His great flexibility and his effectiveness in attack, but he's a bit discontinuous and often isn't brilliant in terms of condition. His physique needs regular minutes, so he'll have to be good at keeping fit.
How did he get on with the Juve fanbase? How did Pirlo and Allegri manage his personality in press conferences?
Wes is a very smiling person and he likes to joke a lot, then at Leeds, he finds his national teammates and therefore he will integrate immediately within the group. Pirlo, apart from when he pointed out his condition needed improving, never had any problems with him.
Allegri, on the other hand, first considered him an attacking midfielder and then employed him as a winger in the 3-5-2. He trusted his qualities a lot.
Why did Juventus want to make this deal with Leeds? Do they need the money? Is McKennie not a part of their plans?
Juve did not consider McKennie a non-transferable player. So they have always been available to listen to offers for him.
The main need was to settle the balance with a good offer, so yes. At a tactical level, his condition could have been a problem, but for me, he's more of a Premier League player than a Serie A player.
What is the reaction in Turin among fans to this deal? Happy or frustrated? Any surprise McKennie has gone to a bottom-half Premier League team?
The fans weren't sad, because McKennie has never been one of their favourites. Today, the purchasing power of the Premier League is very high.
If we think [Nicolo] Zaniolo, who is one of the best Italian talents, was treated by Bournemouth, who were 18th in the standings, [that] makes you understand everything.
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