In a surprising turn of events, United States midfielder Weston McKennie has decided to sign a new contract with Juventus that will keep him at the club through 2026. This decision comes after McKennie’s previous contract was set to run out in June 2025, sparking speculation about his future with the Serie A giants. Despite interest from other top European clubs, including those in the Bundesliga and Premier League, McKennie ultimately chose to stay at Juventus following a turbulent summer.
During the offseason, McKennie found himself in a precarious position as he was left out of Juventus’ squad for their final two preseason matches. This decision was part of a larger conflict with manager Thiago Motta, who publicly announced that McKennie, along with other players like goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny and winger Federico Chiesa, needed to find new clubs. While Szczęsny has since left Juventus by mutual agreement, Chiesa’s future remains uncertain as he continues to be linked with a move to Barcelona.
Despite the initial setback, McKennie made a comeback by returning to first-team training at the end of last week. This move showed a willingness on both sides to reconcile differences and move forward together. Motta even acknowledged McKennie’s value to the team, calling him a “useful and functional player for our needs” in a recent news conference.
McKennie’s contract extension comes at a crucial time for the player, as it will see him through to the 2026 men’s World Cup, which is slated to be held in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. McKennie’s recent performances have been impressive, with him starting all three of the USMNT’s Copa América group stage matches and featuring in 34 Serie A games for Juventus last season. Despite being an unused substitute in Juventus’ recent win against Como, McKennie’s role in the team remains integral to their success.
Weston McKennie’s decision to extend his contract with Juventus carries significant implications for both the player and the club. It marks a turning point in their relationship and highlights McKennie’s commitment to his current team. As he looks ahead to the upcoming World Cup and beyond, McKennie will have the opportunity to further solidify his place as a key player for both Juventus and the USMNT.