Leeds United supporters have been discussing former midfielder Weston McKennie as he looks set to make a return to the Premier League this summer.
The USMNT international spent six months on loan with The Whites in 2023, joining from Juventus for the second half of the 2023/24 campaign.
McKennie struggled to make an impact in midfield, making 20 appearances for Leeds before relegation to the Championship was sealed.
During his spell at Elland Road, the midfielder was criticised for his performances with the squad before returning to the Bianconeri.
Since then, McKennie has become a key starter for Juventus, making 38 appearances across all competitions, which included a Coppa Italia triumph and a third-place finish in Serie A – sealing Champions League qualification.
It appears as though those displays in Italy have been enough to seal a return to the Premier League this summer for the former Leeds man.
Weston McKennie to Aston Villa transfer
In a shock twist, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that McKennie could be set to join Aston Villa this summer.
The USA international, who is set to play in this month’s Copa America, is claimed to be part of a swap deal that includes himself, Samuel Iling-Junior and a fee to Villa with Douglas Luiz moving to Juventus.
With swap deals of this size often very rare, it comes as a surprise that such a package has been agreed for this summer.
Leeds fans react over Weston McKennie to Aston Villa transfer
Plenty of Leeds fans have given their thoughts on what the deal could mean for Aston Villa in the near future.
Many found themselves shocked over the deal, with one social media user claiming: “Wouldn’t be surprised to see Weston McKennie go smash it at Villa.”
Another supporter saw the comical side in it, stating: “Villa losing Douglas Luiz for McKennie [laughing emoji].”
“Watch McKennie turn into prime Zidane next season,” one Leeds fan said.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa fans appear torn as they reserve judgement on McKennie to see how he performs once he arrives at Villa Park.
“Can’t believe people are writing off Weston McKennie just from what they saw at Leeds,” one Villa fan posted. “He’s been playing for one of the biggest clubs in Italy since then.
“Emery clearly wants him as part of the deal. Look what he’s done with EVERY SIGNING since his come in. Give him a chance.”
Another added: “Before you go dismissing him totally, and as much as of course we must acknowledge it happened, the season at Leeds that McKennie had should in no way be the barometer you judge him by moving forward.”
McKennie’s future in the Premier League
It remains to be seen just how well this deal could work out for Aston Villa and for McKennie himself in the coming years.
At just 25 years old, the midfielder is starting to enter his peak years and could prove himself to be a useful player in the Premier League.
While his stint with Leeds didn’t go to plan, his appearances for Juventus and the USMNT certainly show he is capable.
However, it will be up to him to prove that he can do it when he makes the return to England with Villa.