LEEDS, England — Weston McKennie told ESPN that having United States teammates Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson at Leeds United was the “cherry on the cake” of his transfer to the Premier League club, with the Juventus midfielder adding he would have made the move to Elland Road even without the American contingent there.
On Monday, the 24-year-old McKennie completed a loan move to Leeds until the end of the season with the option of a £35 million permanent transfer in the summer if he helps them avoid relegation from the Premier League.
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The former Schalke 04 player becomes the fifth high-profile American at the club alongside Adams, Aaronson, head coach Jesse Marsch and recently-appointed assistant coach Chris Armas.
But in an exclusive interview with ESPN, McKennie said that he was always going to make the move to the Premier League, regardless of the players and coaches already at the club.
“It was two weeks ago that I heard of the initial interest [from Leeds] and for me, I looked at it and was thinking that it could be good for me because Leeds fit my style and they identify with everything that I identify with,” McKennie said. “And I have two teammates here and one of them [Adams], I feel like me and him kind of play similar in a way, so it fits in well.
McKennie said he sought the advice of Adams and Aaronson, as well as others in his inner circle, before making the move and was told by everyone “you’ll fit right in.”
“But honestly, my whole decision was based on if I fit in the system or not and can I thrive there and can I be myself and play my style of football? But obviously it was like a cherry on top of the cake having them [Adams and Aaronson] here as well,” McKennie said.
