Leeds transfer news: Javi Gracia could derail Weston McKennie purchase

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Weston McKennie is no longer certain to stay at Leeds United after his initial loan transfer from Juventus. Javi Gracia replacing Jesse Marsch in charge may now derail any purchase.

That is according to TuttoJuve24, which reports the permanent transfer of McKennie from Juventus to Leeds is now at great risk. The 24-year-old joined the Premier League side over the mid-season market with Marsch in charge. But Gracia has now replaced the American.

Leeds confirmed the appointment of Gracia on Tuesday with the Spaniard agreeing to sign a flexible contract. His arrival at the Elland Road helm remains subject to obtaining a work permit. The 52-year-old led Watford to top-flight safety in 2018 after arriving that January.

Juventus moved to offload McKennie in January and agreed to an initial loan transfer with Leeds for the midfielder. The terms of the deal also include conditions for an obligation to buy. One of which is the West Yorkshire side remains a Premier League club for next term.

But more pressingly for the Bianconeri, further criteria stipulate that McKennie must also make at least 10 appearances this season. The Texas native has already played four games since moving to England. Yet Gracia replacing Marsch now threatens any further minutes.

Leeds United can still buy Weston McKennie after his loan transfer from Juventus

McKennie made his debut for Leeds at Nottingham Forest in what would be Marsch’s last match in charge. Michael Skubala kept the 41-cap international in the Whites’ starting XI over two matches with Manchester United and their trip to Everton whilst caretaker boss.

Now, McKennie is 40% of the way to meeting the criteria for one of the obligation-to-buy clauses. But Juventus will need Gracia to keep faith in the midfielder during his loan spell for Leeds’ option to become an obligation. The Whites also currently sit in the drop zone.

Gracia assumes the Elland Road helm with the Whites 19th in the table and just a point off the bottom. Leeds are further two points from safety after 23 games having won a league-low four times. They will host basement boys Southampton in a crucial game this Saturday.

Should McKennie not trigger the obligation to buy, Leeds hold an option for his permanent transfer from Juventus. Fabrizio Romano notes the Whites paid a €1.2m (£1m) loan fee for McKennie, who Marsch called ‘outstanding’, and hold a €33m (£29m) plus add-ons option.