US contingent grows at Leeds as Weston McKennie completes move to Elland Road

Leeds United have completed the signing of Weston McKennie on loan until the end of the 2022-23 season.

The 24-year-old will join Jesse Marsch’s side as they look to move up the Premier League table and away from the relegation places in the second half of the season.

What type of move is it?

McKennie joins Leeds on loan for the rest of this season. There is an option to buy included in the deal and the Yorkshire club are reportedly planning to activate it this summer.

The fee for McKennie will be $37m if they do sign him permanently. The loan signing of the talented midfielder sees the US contingent at Leeds continue to grow.

US shareholders

49ers Enterprises is Leeds United’s minority shareholder. Leeds are majority owned by club chairman Andrea Radrizzani, but 49ers Enterprises, the investment group behind the San Francisco 49ers NFL franchise, controls over 40 per cent of the Yorkshire club.

The US group has the option to acquire Leeds until January 2024 but they are likely to make a move for the Premier League outfit before then.

US coaching staff at Leeds

American tactician Jesse Marsch is the head coach at Elland Road, while former Manchester United coach Chris Armas is his assistant. Armas previously worked at New York Red Bulls and had a brief spell with Ralf Rangnick at Old Trafford.

US players

McKennie joins fellow US internationals Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson in the current Leeds squad. Adams and Aaronson both joined the club in 2022.