USA legend Alexi Lalas believes Weston McKennie should be aiming higher than Leeds United as the Premier League outfit close in on the Juventus and Serie A enforcer, speaking on his State of the Union Podcast.
This season alone, McKennie has started all but six league games for one of Italy’s biggest clubs. He is a regular in European football, a Champions League goalscorer against Barcelona, and has been linked with clubs such as Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.
So, while Leeds may be one of the best-supported, most storied footballing institutions in England, there is a nagging feeling in the back of Lalas’ mind that McKennie can do a little ‘better’ than a club currently just three points off the bottom of the Premier League table.
“I’ll take it, but I think Weston McKennie is better than Leeds,” Lalas argues.
Leeds United are closing in on Juventus’ Weston McKennie
According to Fabrizio Romano, the former Schalke utility man has already agreed personal terms at Elland Road. Leeds have offered £25 million, though a Juventus side recently hit with a 15-point deduction and facing an uncertain future in Serie A are holding out for closer to £30 million.
McKennie, should he arrive, would add to an already growing American influence in West Yorkshire. USA team-mates Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams are already at Leeds. The New York-born Chris Armas joined Wisconsin-born Jesse Marsch’s coaching staff this week too.
And that is without mentioning the fact that the San Francisco 49ers currently hold a 44 per cent stake in Leeds too.
“If there wasn’t an American influence at Leeds, would any of these players and coaches have a job there?,” Lalas asks.
One of the most adaptable footballers around, McKennie is capable of thriving in almost every midfield position conceivable. He has also filled in effectively at full-back at times. Versatility appears to be the buzzword of the day at Elland Road; January additions Max Wober and Georginio Rutter also having proven themselves in a number of different positions.
McKennie and Adams also forged one of the most effective midfield partnerships at the Qatar World Cup, outrunning and outfighting England during the group-stages.
‘Let’s be realistic’
One-time USMT striker Charlie Davies, meanwhile, sees things differently to Lalas. He feels McKennie should prioritise a club offering regular first-team football. Something that would be far from guaranteed at Arsenal.
“Let’s be realistic. If Arsenal come calling, you are going to a team that is top of the table, that’s absolutely on fire, who have a set midfield,” says the former New England Revolution forward.
“And then, on top of that, what’s the future? Because none of those players are past it. They are going to be there for a while.”
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