Weston McKennie considering US return as MLS clubs circle

Tom Weber

• Updated: 13 Oct 2025 15:57 CDT
• 4 min read

News

Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie could return to the United States in 2026 as several Major League Soccer clubs are interested in signing the USMNT star, according to Italian media.

The 27-year-old is out of contract next summer, and talks with Juventus over an extension have been dead in the water for some time. Despite initial progress, discussions over a new deal have been dormant since the spring due to a reported gulf in salary expectations between the two parties.

McKennie's relationship with the Turin club has been marked by ups and downs. Since joining in 2020, his role in the team has oscillated between that of an important squad player and someone deemed surplus to requirements.

Juventus actively tried to force him out of the club previously, and they are likely open to January offers to generate a nominal fee for the midfielder. Last month, Fabrizio Romano's colleague Matteo Moretto revealed that numerous MLS clubs have been testing the waters regarding a move in 2026.

This has now been confirmed by several other Italian sources. Calciomercato, citing La Stampa, reports that 'some' MLS franchises are plotting a move for the midfielder.

McKennie set for his MLS debut at 27?

Moretto reported that initial talks with MLS teams have already taken place. The more recent information coming out of Italy suggests that it is still unclear if McKennie is keen to head back to the US at this stage of his career. It is noted that he previously rejected MLS approaches.

However, with his contract situation making a move more affordable to MLS clubs - potentially allowing them to offer a bigger salary if he signs on a Designated Player deal - and the World Cup on home soil on the horizon, his stance may have changed in recent times.

McKennie came through the FC Dallas academy but left for Schalke 04 in 2016, aged 17, before breaking into the senior team. Having already spent several years of his childhood in Germany, he quickly settled and emerged as one of the Gelsenkirchen club's biggest prospects.

It is unclear which MLS clubs are currently interested in the USMNT star. FC Cincinnati were linked with McKennie in 2024. Any franchise interested would have to trade with Dallas for his rights.

Despite the player not accepting Dallas' homegrown contract offer in 2016, the fact that they made this proposal in the first place automatically gave the club his rights. It remains to be seen if the Toros will be among the sides trying to sign the 27-year-old.

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