Leeds United’s Mateusz Klich receives an emotional farewell from team-mates ahead of a potential MLS move

Leeds United and Poland international Mateusz Klich appeared to have said their final farewells to team-mates and coaches ahead of his expected move to MLS in the January transfer window.

The 32-year-old was even given an honor guard after a 2-2 draw with relegation rivals West Ham United on Wednesday. After the game, Klich’s team-mates and American manager Jesse Marsch wore T-shirts with a photo of the midfielder smoking a cigar following Leeds’ promotion to the Premier League in 2020.

Klich first signed for Leeds in 2017, completing a $1.8million (£1.5million) move from FC Twente in Holland. He has played 92 consecutive games under ex-manager Marcelo Bielsa in the league and has featured in all but eight of Leeds’ 76 games in England’s top flight through 2020.

Team-mates of Leeds’ Mateusz Klich applaud him off the pitch after he is on the verge of a move to America

An emotional clich reacts after the 2-2 draw against West Ham at Elland Road

Klich (left) has appeared in all but eight of Leeds’ 76 Premier League games since 2020

However, with the emergence of captain Tyler Adams this season, the Poland’s minutes under Marsch have been curtailed and DC United, coached by Wayne Rooney, are said to have offered him a three-year deal for his move overseas.

Klich’s current contract at Ellant Road expires in the summer of 2024.

“It wasn’t a black and white decision,” Marsch told The Athletic after Wednesday’s away draw. “These were many different discussions and Klichy was presented with an opportunity that he believed to last longer and which offered stability for his family and an opportunity to offer something new.”

“He and I had discussions where we were often unsure of what the final decision should be. Even in that moment, I knew that Klichy was the right man at a moment when we needed more courage on the pitch. That’s how he is, that’s how he lives and plays football.”

Leeds manager Jesse Marsch wears a shirt to thank Mateusz Klich for his service at the club

Farewell T-shirts worn by Klich’s team-mates show the midfielder smoking a cigar following Leeds’ promotion to the Premier League in 2020

Leeds are yet to officially announce the veteran midfielder but Klich’s emotional reaction at Wednesday’s final whistle suggested his move to America appears to be close to completion. In his five years in England, Klich made 170 league appearances for the Whites.

The Pole has featured in 11 league games this season and has only come off the bench.

DC United have several European players in their squad, including ex-Liverpool and Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke, ex-Liverpool academy player Victor Pálsson and ex-Manchester United wonderboy Ravel Morrison, although the latter is believed to have left America’s capital.

DC United ended last season sour bottom of the Eastern Conference. The team has also missed the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs in the last three seasons.

As well as Twente and Leeds, Klich has played for Wolfsburg and Kaiserslautern in Germany and for PEC Zwolle in Holland after succeeding at Polish club Cracovia.