Transfer Talk: Juventus not yet convinced on USMNT’s Weston McKennie to renew contract
Credit to Author: Danny Lewis| Date: Fri, 22 Sep 2023 19:57:58 EST
Herculez Gomez and Sebastian Salazar debate whether Christian Pulisic was dropped or rested against Newcastle. (1:15)
The summer transfer window has closed for Europe’s top leagues, but there are still moves in the works and plenty of gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!
The hopes of a contract renewal for U.S. men’s national team midfielder Weston McKennie at Juventus hinge on his upcoming performances, according to Calciomercato.
The 25-year-old has not always been among the first names on the team sheet at the Allianz Stadium and went on loan to Leeds United last term, making 19 Premier League appearances as they eventually succumbed to relegation. It was initially expected that the former FC Dallas and Schalke 04 midfielder would once again leave I Bianconeri in the summer, although no move came to fruition.
Instead, he has gone on to play in all four of Juventus’ first games this season, starting the most recent two and providing an assist in the 3-1 victory over Lazio.
McKennie’s current contract is set to expire in the summer of 2025, and with Juventus not yet sure of extending his stay past that point, he will now be playing in order to impress manager Massimiliano Allegri and ensure that he gets another deal.
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McKennie admitted earlier this month that returning to Juventus from Leeds was difficult, but he was eager to prove his place in the team.
“Coming back to Juventus wasn’t easy,” he said during USMNT camp. “I left the club at a time of crisis, I guess you could say. And so coming back I felt like I started back at square zero, but that is a challenge I’m always up for, a challenge that I think I needed at this time in my career to kind of prove to people that I still have it.”
With Paul Pogba‘s future uncertain after doping charges, there is now an opportunity for the McKennie to establish himself in Allegri’s lineup, which the American is currently taking.
Juventus’ next match — and McKennie’s next opportunity to impress — comes against Sassuolo on Saturday, with I Neroverdi having lost three of their four Serie A matches this season.
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