‘Different type of EPL move?’ - Weston McKennie transfer question posed as Alexi Lalas advises Juventus to pay USMNT star ‘his money’ as contract saga drags on

As things stand, USMNT star McKennie is tied to a contract in Turin through to the summer of 2025. Discussions have taken place regarding an extension, but the terms on offer are said to have been knocked back by the 25-year-old midfielder and his representatives.

That is leaving the door open for a move to be made in 2024, with McKennie’s stock on the rise once more following a productive campaign that has seen him make the most of an unexpected second chance at Juve. There has been talk of interest from England and Germany – where he has previously spent time with Leeds and Schalke – and the Bianconeri are being urged to end the speculation as quickly as possible.

Former United States international Lalas has told his State of the Union podcast of the McKennie contract saga and what his immediate future could now hold – with countryman Christian Pulisic also facing transfer questions at AC Milan: “Pay the man his money! This is arguably the best player on the team, a player that can play multiple positions. Like Pulisic, arguably his best season as a professional. If they don’t pay him, there will be others. It will be interesting to see with Pulisic and Weston McKennie how much they have enjoyed Serie A.

"We have talked about how well they have played, but have they enjoyed it enough that if another Serie A team came about, would they want to do that or are they pining for – in Weston’s case and in Christian’s case – a different type of EPL move, a move back to Germany where both of them have played? I don’t know how they feel, but I would love to see them continue on – if they can’t do it where they are right now - in Italy. I think its a good place for them. By all accounts they have had a good time certainly on the field, but hopefully off the field.”

McKennie has become a key figure for club and country and is reluctant to sign a new deal at Juve that is said to include the same salary that he is already on. The Italian giants may be playing a risky game, with interest in a proven performer set to build if an exit door is left ajar.