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Leeds have completed the loan signing of USA international midfielder Weston McKennie.
McKennie, 24, will join fellow Stars and Stripes team-mates Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson at Elland Road as compatriot Jesse Marsch seeks to guide the West Yorkshire club to Premier League safety.
He told Sky Sports: “I’m definitely excited. The January window works quick. Around one week ago I didn’t know if I was going anywhere and now I’m coming here.
“When I heard the interest, it is definitely exciting. There are people I know here, Tyler Adams, Brenden Aaronson and Jesse Marsch, I’m ready to get started.
“I’ve heard the support is amazing, the atmosphere too — that’s an adrenaline rush for me to come out and see fans going crazy. It’s like a 10-times energy boost. Elland Road is dope. The stadium is really nice. It’s top level.”
Marsch’s men sit 15th in the table, just a point from the bottom three, ahead of Sunday’s trip to fellow relegation candidates Nottingham Forest.
On the move, which includes an option tog buy, director of football Victor Orta said: “I am really happy, I think it is a good addition for Leeds United,
“He is a player who is at international level, which is really helpful for the squad and someone who will strengthen us.
“Weston is a versatile player who will be able to adapt quickly, helped by his knowledge of the other players in the team.
“I think it gives Jesse Marsch balance in his team and more options, with a player who can grow within the transition of English football.
“We hope he can adapt quickly with the rhythm here after playing in Italy. To have Weston on loan with an option to buy is a really good situation for Leeds United.”
McKennie becomes the Whites’ third signing of the January transfer window, following the arrivals of defender Max Wober from FC Salzburg and centre forward Georginio Rutter from Hoffenheim.
The versatile engine room operator leaves parent club Juventus, having joined the Turin giants from Schalke in 2021.
He made 96 appearances for the Old Lady, who are in crisis, after they received a 15-point deduction earlier this month.
McKennie was not in the matchday squad for Juve’s 2-0 home loss to Monza on Sunday which left the Bianconeri 13th in the table.
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