Leeds United have had some bad transfers in our time, but few were more vocally chastised than half-season loanee Weston McKennie.
Our last attempt to stay in the Premier League is best forgotten. It was a group of players that lost all faith from the fanbase and left an incredibly sour taste when we were thumped 4-1 at home to Spurs to confirm relegation.
No one copped more stick that day than Weston McKennie. I won’t repeat what was chanted at him as Sam Allardyce hooked him, but it was perhaps a summary of just how bad his loan spell at Elland Road was.
Leeds United nearly spent £29million on Weston McKennie transfer in 2023
Victor Orta was desperate to keep Leeds in the Premier League during the 22/23 season, so much so that Leeds’ agreement to sign McKennie on loan from Juventus included a huge buy option.
It was reported at the time that Leeds signing the USMNT midfielder on a permanent deal would cost €33million (£29million).
Despite a couple of strong performances when given license to play higher than the likes of Tyler Adams and Marc Roca, it was largely a disastrous spell.
He came to Leeds obviously unfit, and it showed in numerous turgid displays. When we were relegated, he was one of the first that fans were eager to forget put on the white shirt.
Weston McKennie now thriving at Juventus in versatile Champions League role – Compared to two Ballon d’Or winners
Upon McKennie’s return to Juventus, his performances have transformed for the Italian giants. But, he is importantly showing his worth no matter where he plays.
Whether it’s in midfield as a box-to-box engine, playing out wide, as a false-nine, or even at full-back, he’s been a vital asset to the Old Lady.
Season Games Goals Assists
25/26 37 8 5
24/25 44 5 4
23/24 38 0 10
He’s enjoying his best season to date in Turin this campaign under Luciano Spalletti. On Wednesday night, he scored his eighth of the season in the Champions League.
It wasn’t enough to help his side through against Galatasaray, who won against 10-man Juve in extra-time. McKennie laid the ball on a plate for Edon Zhegrova to take the lead in extra-time, only for the Bosnian to somehow miss from close range.
That was McKennie’s 10th goal in the Champions League for his current club. And in the process, he’s rubbing shoulders with two iconic Ballon d’Or winners. He’s one behind Pavel Nedved’s Champions League tally (11) for Juventus:
Weston McKennie (10) is the third Juventus midfielder to score at least 10 goals in Champions League/European Cup, after Michel Platini (17) and Pavel Nedved (11). 📈
🏟️ Olympus. pic.twitter.com/QRuu7yXk6y
— Juventus Xtra (@juven_xtra) February 26, 2026
It does go to show that context can be everything for a player and how they perform at a given club.
No Leeds fan on this earth would have wanted us to sign McKennie for the price quoted. We didn’t see any value in retaining him, even if we’d have stayed up.
However, as we’ve learned with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Jayden Bogle, James Justin, Ethan Ampadu and others, the environment can so often revitalise a player.
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