USMNT midfielder Weston McKennie remains keen on a move to the Premier League and several teams are interested in signing him from Schalke.
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Weston McKennie, 21, has been a mainstay at German giants Schalke in recent seasons and the likes of Everton, Newcastle United, Leicester City and according to Kicker in Germany Southampton have reportedly shown interest in signing the former FC Dallas academy product.
A source with knowledge of McKennie’s situation confirmed to ProSoccerTalk that a move to the Premier League remains of high importance and some movement on the situation is expected in the coming days. With the transfer window only opening earlier this week for Premier League clubs, it could take a little while longer for things to get moving as managers and club officials take a brief offseason break.
Hertha Berlin have also been linked with a move for McKennie but a transfer to England is the aim and Schalke are said to want close to $26 million for the USMNT regular.
In recent interviews the combative central midfielder, who can also play at right back, has said it would be a dream to move to the Premier League and follow in the footsteps of his good friend Christian Pulisic who has made waves during his debut season at Chelsea.
Schalke’s current financial situation is far from steady and it is believed they will look to sell McKennie, Ozan Kobak and Rabbi Matondo this summer to try and raise funds as David Wagner’s squad will also see their wages lowered.
As for McKennie, he posted a video on Instagram of him driving past Schalke’s stadium on Wednesday and then a caption ‘back at it’ as he has returned to Germany following a brief break in the USA over the Bundesliga offseason.
Preseason for Schalke starts on Aug. 3 and it seems like McKennie won’t be staying in Germany for long as his dream move to the Premier League is in the works.
Which aforementioned club would be the best fit?
Southampton are looking to replace Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg who is going to either Tottenham or Everton, so there’s a spot in central midfield and Ralph Hasenhuttl’s high-pressing and aggressive system would suit McKennie well.
As for Leicester City, he may be a squad player for the Foxes, while Everton would be a good fit as Carlo Ancelotti needs a midfield enforced. Newcastle may not be the best fit, while Liverpool and Chelsea have been mentioned but McKennie would most likely be a squad player for the Premier League giants.
A move to Southampton or Everton would probably be best for McKennie’s development as he would play regularly for teams in midtable who have aims of pushing for Europa League qualification. The USMNT youngster needs regular minutes and if he can get that in the Premier League, it would be the best step for his career.