Juventus to open contract extension talks with Weston McKennie as USMNT star gets just reward for rediscovering his best form in 2023-24

Posted Monday, January 08, 2024 by Goal.com

GOAL can confirm that Juventus are ready to open contract extension talks with USMNT midfielder Weston McKennie.

WHAT HAPPENED?
McKennie's future was the subject of much speculation last summer, as he returned to Juventus following an ill-fated loan spell at Leeds. The American struggled to convince in the Premier League as the Whites suffered relegation, but rather than give the green light for the midfielder to leave Juve permanently, Massimiliano Allegri decided to offer him one last chance to prove himself at the Allianz Stadium.

THE BIGGER PICTURE
Allegri has been vindicated in the first half of the season as McKennie has rediscovered his best form, helping Juve rise to second in the Serie A table. GOAL understands that the Bianconeri are now preparing to sit down with the 25-year-old's agent to discuss a contract renewal that will keep him at the club beyond 2025.

DID YOU KNOW?
McKennie has featured in 19 games across all competitions for Juve so far this term, and has shown his versatility by operating in several different positions, including full-back. Allegri is very pleased with the U.S. men's national team star, and has challenged him to keep up the same level all the way through to May. "He has not changed, but grown," the Juve boss told reporters last week. "At Leeds he matured and came back with a great desire to stay and do well. He has five months ahead of him and he still has to do even better."

WHAT NEXT FOR MCKENNIE?
McKennie will be in line for another start when Juventus take on Frosinone in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals on Thursday night. Allegri's side are due to host Sassuolo in Serie A five days later, with only two points currently separating them and leaders Inter.