Ex-Schalker Weston McKennie looks set to leave Juventus Turin for a Premier League move to Leeds. Schalke will probably benefit.

The rumour mill has been bubbling for some time, now a decision seems to have been made: Weston McKennie, once a professional in the service of FC Schalke 04, will probably leave Juventus Turin and move to Leeds United in the Premier League. The American is said to have already said goodbye to his team-mates in Italy after agreeing to the move in midweek. Now it’s all about the transfer fee. Juve are asking for 35 million euros, Leeds do not want to pay more than 28 million. But an agreement is expected shortly, according to English and Italian media.

McKennie, who played for Schalke 04 between 2016 and 2020 (91 professional appearances, five goals, seven assists), was considered a fan favourite during his time in Gelsenkirchen. He has been under contract with Juventus Turin since September 2020 and played 96 matches (13 goals, five assists) for the “Old Lady”, who were recently deducted 15 points in Serie A for falsifying club records. In 2020, Juve had transferred 20.5 million euros to Schalke 04 for the now 24-year-old midfield all-rounder.

Schalke benefit from McKennie switch

US-Americans are apparently popular at Leeds United: McKennie would be the fourth professional from the States to join the club after coach Jesse Marsch, midfielder Tyler Adams and attacker Brenden Aaronson. Schalke would also benefit: When selling to Italy, former Schalke sporting director Rouven Schröder had negotiated a share in a possible further purchase. Money that Schalke could well use at the moment.