USMNT: Weston McKennie to Liverpool – Is it too early?

USMNT star Weston McKennie has been linked to Liverpool in what would be a surprise plot twist in the young player’s career. But is it too early?

There’s no doubt that United States Men’s National Team midfielder Weston McKennie is regarded as one of the most promising young players in the Bundesliga.

As a result, there was bound to be attention from some of the biggest teams in the world. That said, the recent reports of Liverpool’s interest in signing McKennie in the winter transfer window have come as a bit of a surprise.

With Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table, the English club is looking to bring in reinforcements to ensure they are prepared for the final half of the 2018-19 season. Additionally, there are in the hunt for the Champions League title again after finishing runners-up last season.

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McKennie has played in 17 matches in all competitions for Schalke this season with three goals and two assists. He has already surpassed his appearance total from last year when he made 16 appearances in all competitions.

This is the first time the USMNT midfielder has been linked to a move to Liverpool.

An initial thought here is whether McKennie can continue to get the playing time he needs to develop at Liverpool. Much like Christian Pulisic, McKennie would be joining a club where playing time is not guaranteed, it’s earned. Not to say either of these players don’t deserve to play for these clubs, but the talent pool is much larger at these clubs. As such, McKennie might very well end up on a loan during his first few seasons at Liverpool.

At Schalke, McKennie has been a usual starter but he has only had this role for a brief time and making the jump to Liverpool would be a massive change of pace. That’s why this move to Liverpool would be one for the future and not for the present. McKennie will likely be viewed as a player they will want to develop into an eventual starter but that will take some time at a club of their caliber.

If he were to move there right now, he would be a rotational player for Liverpool. They bolster a midfielder roster that includes Naby Keita, Jordan Henderson, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlin. Playing time would not come at a premium.

Since this move has yet to be confirmed as a legitimate interest, the possibility of an eventual move for McKennie to the Premier League could be on the horizon. As previously mentioned, the 20-year-old has just begun to be a star for Schalke and will certainly get interest from bigger clubs in the future if he can continue his form.

McKennie should end up in the Premier League at some point and whether that is at Liverpool or not remains to be seen. He has the talent to go far in his career and he is still in the early stages of his journey.