The circumstances surrounding the American’s stay at Elland Road beyond the end of the season have become increasingly unclear, with it initially reported as a loan-to-buy deal that becomes an obligation under certain circumstances, namely avoiding relegation [Sky Sports Italy, 29 January].
And, according to the most recent report, that is expected to happen immediately for €35 million [£30.8 million] once Premier League status is secured, but there is nothing contractual requiring it to do so.
The report from 90min on 22 March that the Whites were not looking to keep the midfielder at the end of the season would therefore suggest the club is planning to break their word, despite the clubs’ reportedly good relationship.
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And, according to Gazzetta on Sunday (26 March), the only reason McKennie agreed to a loan exit from Turin in the first place was because he didn’t want to be relegated, so it appears that the US international, rather than Leeds United, was behind that stipulation.
The uncertainty surrounding McKennie’s future appears to be due in part to the Whites’ poor form under Javi Gracia in the final weeks of the season, and in part to how trustworthy they are.
The 24-year-old hasn’t wowed everyone with his play since joining in January, but he’s been a solid performer so far considering he arrived midseason to a new league with a team that then went through a messy managerial change.
Whether that will be enough between now and the end of the season to make forking out over £30million to keep him around an attractive deal is up for debate.
However, if the club was widely perceived as breaching an agreement, Andrea Radrizzani would almost certainly be unpopular in Italy.
And it appears that Leeds were willing to sign McKennie on a permanent basis in the winter window, but he preferred the loan in the first place in case the club were relegated before he’d spent a year in England.
Based on recent results under Gracia, it would appear that the former Schalke man will remain on a permanent basis, but football clubs have reneged on handshake agreements before, so never say never.
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