Leeds United eye growing American presence in Yorkshire with possible move for Weston McKennie

Local Yorkshire giants Leeds United continue to lean into the growing American influence that has begun to take root at Elland Road after the club has begun to consider a move for United States international midfielder Weston McKennie.

According to CBSSports’ Ben Jacobs, McKennie is a real January transfer option for the Premier League outfit despite their current struggles near the bottom of the table as they sit just one point outfit of the bottom three.

A product of the vaunted FC Dallas academy setup, McKennie has been a standard bearer among the new generation of American players beginning to flood across the Atlantic and into the top leagues across Europe, first during an impressive spell with Bundesliga giants FC Schalke 04 before eventually moving to Juventus in the summer of 2021.

Despite making 65 appearances across all competitions, McKennie has long been linked with a move away from the Old Lady with multiple Premier League clubs keeping tabs on the midfielder, including Tottenham, Leicester City, and Aston Villa.

But the chance to link up with international colleagues may appear to be too good to ignore for McKennie, who would bring immediate - and vital - on-pitch chemistry with United States national team partner Tyler Adams after both played a key role during the 2022 World Cup in service of their country.

McKennie will no doubt also be tempted by the presence of Brenden Aaronson, with the three Americans possibly comprising the entire midfield three for Leeds for the rest of the season under compatriot and Leeds manager Jesse Marsch.

No doubt there is sure to be a concerted effort from the club hierarchy, in conjunction with the efforts of club director of football Victor Orta, to build on the national presence at the club after The York Family (via 49ers Enterprises Leeds SPV LP) acquired a 44% minority ownership stake in the club while working with majority owner Andrea Radrizzani to hopefully return the club to the height of its power.

With other budding young Americans possibly on the market in the summer, Leeds may continue in this vein, with names such as Ricardo Pepi, Yunus Musah, and Timothy Weah possibly offering the club further reinforcements through long-term signings with room to continue to develop.

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