McKennie joins Leeds from Juventus - Soon 2nd most expensive USMNT in history?

Leeds United have completed their all-American midfield under US boss Jesse Marsch as Weston McKennie has joined from Juventus. The Premier League club announced the transfer of the 24-year-old midfielder on Monday. According to Fabrizio Romano, Juventus will receive an initial €1.2 million for the loan and an additional €33m should the transfer be made permanent. 

Should Leeds trigger the option to buy, McKennie would become the most expensive signing in club history ahead of compatriot Brenden Aaronson—at least until Georginio Rutter starts triggering his add-ons in his initial deal from Hoffenheim, which can grow to €37m. McKennie would also become the second most expensive US American behind Chelsea's Christian Pulisic (signed in 2018/19 for €64m from Dortmund). 

McKennie becomes the tenth US American at the Elland Road. Together with Aaronson and Tyler Adams, McKennie will form an all-American midfield in the club's battle against relegation from the Premier League. Leeds, who have already had the fourth-highest transfer expenditures in the world this season, have collected just 18 points from 19 games and are just one point above the relegation line. 

McKennie to Leeds United - USMNT with mixed success in the Premier League

With three Americans on the field and Marsch on the bench, Leeds United will see the highest concentration of USMNT players since the 2007/08 edition of Fulham and the 2010/11 edition of Aston Villa. Fulham, with Kasey Keller, Carlos Bocanegra, Clint Dempsey, and Eddie Johnson, were relegated. Villa, however, managed to finish ninth with Brad Friedel, Brad Guzan, Eric Lichaj, and Michael Bradley in the squad. 

For McKennie, in the meantime, the transfer is a bit of an escape. Juventus have been deducted 15 points this season by FIGC after being involved in various scandals in Italy's Serie A. The future of the Italian giants, in fact, is very much in doubt as court cases are still ongoing. Amidst all those scandals, McKennie has always played well for Juve, scoring three goals and two assists in 21 games across all competitions.