Weston McKennie: USMNT star's spectacular form creates huge Juventus dilemma

Tom Weber

• 16 Feb 2026 19:00 CST
• 4 min read

Analysis

United States midfielder Weston McKennie has created an unexpected dilemma for Juventus with his resurgent form under Luciano Spalletti.

The 27-year-old has had an up-and-down relationship with the Old Lady since joining from Schalke 04 in 2021. McKennie has repeatedly alternated between key player and surplus to requirements.

There have been instances of Juventus actively trying to push the USMNT star out of the club, but apart from a loan to Leeds in 2022/23, these efforts did not meet with success - and this has since proved to be a blessing in disguise.

Since the sacking of Igor Tudor and the appointment of Luciano Spalletti as the new Bianconeri head coach, McKennie has been in outstanding form. Valued by the former Italy boss for his versatility and work rate, he is one of the first names on the team sheet.

To say that McKennie has repaid that faith would be an understatement. The American has become a talismanic figure for the inconsistent Italian giants. In 23 appearances under Spalletti, he has recorded an impressive seven goals and six assists from midfield.

McKennie becomes indispensable to Juventus

McKennie's resurgent form has made him indispensable to Juventus, and club bosses have recognised this. They are now desperately trying to extend his expiring contract.

Previously, it was widely reported that Juventus would let McKennie walk away for nothing in the summer because he wasn't considered a key player. The situation could hardly be more different now.

Juventus are locked in talks with the player's representatives, but these discussions are proving incredibly difficult. His form has given him leverage, and he is refusing to compromise on his demands.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, McKennie is keen to stay in Turin, but he wants to have his current salary of up to €3 million per season doubled. This would put him in the same salary bracket as Kenan Yildiz, the new face of the club.

Juventus are refusing to accede to this demand. They acknowledge that McKennie deserves a raise, but they will not double his salary. Finding a middle ground has now become the club's priority.

Ultimately, though, McKennie is in complete control of the situation. He has no shortage of suitors and could readily join a club of similar stature to Juventus.

Atletico Madrid, AC Milan and Premier League sides have shown an interest in the 27-year-old, while he also continues to be courted by Major League Soccer franchises. MLS clubs dream of bringing him home, especially in a World Cup year.

McKennie has yet to play domestically in the US, having opted to turn down a homegrown contract at FC Dallas to head to Germany as a teenager. 10 years later, he faces a similarly critical decision: extend or leave.

Given how Juventus treated him in the past, there will always be the tangible threat that the next coach to come in could once again deem him surplus to requirements. By the same token, he could go on to become a real cult hero for the club if he stays and continues to play.

For Juventus, it is a similar dilemma. McKennie is currently their best performer and would leave a huge hole behind. However, giving in to his demands would set a dangerous precedent that every run of good form entitles players to an enormous pay rise.

Juventus have done a fine job slimming down their wage bill in recent years. Handing McKennie a handsome deal like Yildiz could undo these efforts, especially if tangible success on the pitch continues to elude the club. It is by no means an easy decision.

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