USMNT: Weston McKennie transfer saga continues

USMNT midfielder Weston McKennie continues to be linked to various clubs

Weston McKennie appears to be on the move from Schalke this summer. The 21-year-old midfielder has been linked to a host of clubs across Europe. According to a report from Express, there are five Premier League clubs rumored to be interested. The rumored clubs include Southampton, Wolves, Leicester City, Newcastle United, and Everton.

In the Bundesliga, where McKennie plays now, Hertha Berlin have been reported to show interest according to Transfermarkt. 

With a host of Premier League clubs showing interest, a recent report from L’Equipe stated Ligue 1 club Monaco were looking at a possible deal as well. This adds an interesting element to this transfer saga as it appeared McKennie was destined to be landing at a Premier League club.

Monaco enters the picture for Weston McKennie

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Monaco are rebuilding after a disappointing display in the last two seasons in the French top division. They have failed to qualify for a European competition which would mean McKennie would not be playing in the UEFA Europa League or Champions League.

However, all but one of the aforementioned Premier League and Bundesliga clubs that have been linked did not qualify for European competitions either.

As it stands, McKennie will likely not be on a club who plays in a continental competition next season. Leicester City is the only club that would provide him the opportunity to play in the Europa League.

With that being said, this may change moving forward. Clubs such as Monaco may soon be back playing European football in a short period of time and are looking to get back to winning ways.

A move to Monaco would provide him plenty of playing time. He is a usual starter for Schalke and the clubs he’s been linked to should provide him the continued playing time he needs to develop. Success at any one of these clubs could eventually lead to bigger opportunities down the road. At just 21, McKennie still has a long way to go in his career.

Despite Monaco’s recent poor performance, they are still a well-known club in world soccer. McKennie could gain even more pedigree as one of the upcoming prospects in Europe if he performs well in Ligue 1, especially if he can be part of a resurgence to the top three in France.