Weston McKennie interested in MLS move as European giants hold talks

Tom Weber

• 6 Feb 2026 14:30 CST
• 4 min read

News

Serie A giants Inter are the latest club to show an interest in Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie, who is "not indifferent" to the idea of moving to Major League Soccer.

The USMNT star has entered the final months of his contract, and it seems that a decision on his future could still go either way. Earlier this season, it was fully expected that McKennie would run down his deal with Juventus.

It was widely reported that the Old Lady had little interest in extending the contract of the 27-year-old, having previously tried to force him out of the club. However, club chiefs have changed their tune due to his performances under new head coach Luciano Spalletti.

Juventus now want to extend McKennie's contract, but given what transpired between the parties previously, the midfielder won't make it easy for the club. A first offer has reportedly already been rejected. He is well aware that he would be a sought-after commodity this summer.

It was recently revealed that Atletico Madrid hold an interest in the American as they look for a combative midfielder to replace Conor Gallagher, although whether that is still the case after signing Seattle Sounders youngster Obed Vargas and Elche starlet Rodrigo Mendoza on Deadline Day remains to be seen.

Inter want McKennie, so do MLS clubs

According to transfer insider Matteo Moretto, Inter are the latest European side to have shown an interest in McKennie. This would be quite a controversial move given the rivalry between the Nerazzurri and Juventus.

A move back to the United States remains possible, as well. McKennie, who came through the FC Dallas academy but never made a senior appearance, is "not indifferent" to the interest he has received from MLS clubs, the journalist claims.

"I can give you three points," Moretto explained on Fabrizio Romano's Italian YouTube channel. "The first is that Juventus will make another attempt to renew his contract, but the real problem is the additional costs of the deal.

"MLS is a concrete scenario for the player. He has received several approaches and calls from the league, and he has never been indifferent to the idea of returning home. The third point is that, in recent weeks, Inter have also asked for information about signing McKennie on a free transfer."

In 2024, FC Cincinnati attempted to bring McKennie back to the US, but the player reportedly felt the time wasn't right to return. With a World Cup on home soil on the horizon, his thinking will surely have changed, but it will be difficult for MLS clubs to compete with Atleti and Inter.

Dallas would have the easiest time signing him. They still own his rights despite the fact that he never actually signed a professional contract with the club. Simply offering a homegrown deal was enough to secure the right of first refusal on the academy graduate.

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