'He became really, really important' - Former USMNT stars Tony Meola and Charlie Davies weigh in on Weston McKennie's reported new contract

Following reports that Weston McKennie is set to sign a new long-term contract with Juventus - one that could make him one of the club’s highest-paid players - Tony Meola weighed in on the move during CBS Sports Golazo America, saying the USMNT midfielder has earned it.

“First off, good for him if the reports are true and we’re still waiting to hear some final decision on this, but it sounds like it’s getting closer,” Meola said. “I’m not so surprised based on the fact that he’s become over the course of the season one of the most important players, and he’s played everywhere outside of his normal position."

Meola acknowledged that the deal might raise eyebrows given McKennie’s past inconsistencies at Juventus, but said his performances this season justify a new contract.

“I know it looks weird on paper because he’s been kinda exiled three times from this club, but I’m happy for hi,m man, he deserves it,” Meola added. “You have to make a decision: do you want him or not? And it sounds like it’s going to be for a substantial amount of money. You look at it and go, if I can’t get another guy, a better player or a guy that’s similar—which I’m going to have to pay for—why don’t I keep the guy I have, who has been doing it year after year?”

Former USMNT star and New England Revolution striker Charlie Davies also praised McKennie, although he emphasized how the midfielder's resilience through challenging periods has ultimately resulted in him becoming a pillar at Turin.

“I think this speaks to Weston McKennie’s maturity, resilience to rise above the occasion when things are stacked up against and his willingness to fight. What more could you ask from a player who has been in Europe his whole career and dealing with the ups and downs of trying to survive relegation, playing in the Bundesliga, coming to Juventus and taking a loan to the Premier League and that not all going well,” Davies told CBS Sports Golazo America.

“The coach getting sacked (at Leeds United), you’re coming back and dealing with different coaches and different styles all at the highest levels, playing at a World Cup, all of the above. The ins and outs of World Cup qualifying, and here he is being a pillar at one of the biggest clubs in world football. I’m so proud of him.”

The extension solidifies McKennie's position as one of only a handful of American field players to establish themselves as essential contributors at traditional European powerhouses. The USMNT international arrived at Juventus in 2020 but struggled to make the first team with him being farmed out on loan multiple times. However, since his return from a spell at Leeds United in the summer of 2023, McKennie has become a key part of the squad, consistently featuring for different managers.

Weston McKennie will continue as a key contributor for Juventus as they push toward securing Champions League qualification for next season. The Old Lady currently sit in fourth place on the Serie A table with 63 points, but have AS Roma(63), Lazio(63), and Bologna(62) hot on their heels for the final Champions League place. They face Lazio next on May 9 on the road before returning home to host Udinese in the Serie A on May 17.