Weston McKennie could be playing in the Premier League next season even if Leeds United end up getting relegated. That’s because Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi is keen on his club signing the American midfielder this summer according to Italian outlet Calciomercato.
When McKennie joined Leeds on loan in January many U.S. fans thought the move was going to be a smashing success. Fans hoped that Tyler Adams and McKennie were going to dominate the midfield for Leeds and form an unstoppable duo.
Instead, Leeds have seen four different managers, lost Adams due to hamstring surgery, became relegation favorites and the fans turned on McKennie after his poor run of form.
The quicker McKennie gets out of Leeds the better and it’s rumored that Brighton are willing to pay $27 million for him.
McKennie Brighton rumors
MCKENNIE LINKED TO BRIGHTON MOVE ⚪️
According to a report from Italian publication CalcioMercatoWeb, Roberto De Zerbi & Brighton are considering move for midfielder Weston McKennie, as Leeds choosing not to make loan move permanent. Transfer fee said to be $27 million. pic.twitter.com/HttdOJoHZq— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) May 17, 2023
Weston McKennie is set to join Brighton in a £21.75m deal from Juventus this summer after #LUFC opted against making his loan move permanent. [Calciomercato] pic.twitter.com/7febNSNJhs
— LUFCMOT (@LUFCMOTcom) May 17, 2023
Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly keen to sign on-loan Leeds United & USMNT midfielder Weston McKennie this summer, with his future in doubt ahead of the summer window. pic.twitter.com/0LYG0AtbnC
— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) May 17, 2023
McKennie is on loan with Leeds from Juventus and the English club was given the option to buy him on a permanent transfer. Leeds will undoubtedly pass on buying McKennie meaning a return to Juventus where he also isn’t a top priority. His contract with Juve goes through June 2025 so joining a different team will either be another loan or a permanent transfer.
Brighton have a chance to play European football for the first time in club history as they sit sixth in the Premier League with only a couple of games left. If Brighton secure a place in the Europa League or Europa Conference League, then an increased roster size would come in handy.
The midfield for Brighton will likely see change this summer as star midfielders Alexis Mac Allister and Moisés Caicedo will be targets for bigger clubs. Liverpool’s James Milner has reportedly agreed to join Brighton this summer.
Brighton are set to sign James Milner, here we go — the final proposal and all the clauses have been accepted. Deal will be valid until June 2024. #BHAFC
Milner will join Brighton on free transfer from Liverpool; second signing imminent after João Pedro deal completed. pic.twitter.com/L0QN7e8ZyE— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 5, 2023
McKennie joining Brighton looks more and more possible with midfielders likely to be in high demand for the Seagulls this upcoming transfer window. Imagine if we see Milner and McKennie playing together for Brighton.
