Weston McKennie really is the Comeback Kid at Juventus, as he once again is being welcomed into the fold after seemingly having no place in the squad.
The man from Little Elm, Texas never seems to know when he is beaten in Turin, as so many times he has been pushed out, only to find a way back in.
He first arrived from Schalke 04 in September 2020, on loan for €4.5m with obligation to buy for a further €21.9m, and was a regular in the opening couple of campaigns.
When sent to Leeds United on loan in January 2023, it was with the fervent hope the club would activate their option to buy, but he struggled badly in England and was returned to sender.
McKennie won’t quit Juventus
A summer exit seemed inevitable, yet McKennie worked his way back into the good books of coach Max Allegri by doing so well in training.
A year on, Allegri was sacked and Thiago Motta seemed to have no place for the USMNT man in his tactical ideas.
McKennie was meant to be part of the package deal bringing Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa only to pull out over personal terms.
Once again, it seems whatever he’s doing in training is working, because the American is the only player from the group frozen out that has been recalled for the season opener against Como.
“McKennie is a valuable player for our needs,” said Thiago Motta in yesterday’s press conference.
He is even said to be negotiating a new contract with the Old Lady, as the current deal expires in June 2025.
Part of the key to all this is his versatility, able to play in central midfield, wide right or left, in a more advanced position or defensive, as well as a remarkable knack for timing runs forward and getting his head to crosses.
It is easy to forget that in 134 competitive appearances for the Bianconeri, he scored 13 goals and provided 15 assists.
Simple reason he has been reinstated is because of the difficuties the club is facing in signing players. Anyways I hope he makes the best out of this opportunity
Maybe they need him and Weah for marketing in the U.S