Weston McKennie: A Rising Star’s Future in Football

omidbasir- Weston McKennie has established himself as a commendable player on the global stage, showcasing his skills in both the German Bundesliga and Italy’s Serie A. With 62 international caps and participation in the 2022 World Cup, McKennie is at a pivotal point in his career at 27 years of age. Despite his proven capabilities, it is surprising that Juventus has not prioritized renewing his contract during the 2025-26 season.

Throughout his time at Juventus, McKennie has demonstrated versatility, taking on various roles ranging from full-back to creative playmaker. His multifaceted skills will undoubtedly be sought after if the dynamic athlete from Washington is permitted to leave Turin.

Former USMNT goalkeeper Brad Friedel has expressed confidence that McKennie will attract significant interest from elite clubs. In a recent discussion with GOAL, Friedel reflected on McKennie’s potential, stating, “In my experience coaching U19s, Weston was the standout talent in my group. After just one training session, I was astonished by his abilities, considering I had recently worked with Tottenham’s academy. He possesses the caliber to excel at a top-tier club.

“McKennie’s tenacity on the field is noteworthy, and while his time at Leeds in the Premier League was less than stellar, it’s important not to judge his talent solely based on that experience.

During his brief loan at Leeds in January 2023, McKennie made only 20 appearances as the team faced relegation from the Premier League. He later described this period as one of the most challenging in his career, noting, “My experience at Leeds was likely my lowest point professionally. I had become somewhat complacent at Juventus, expecting regular playtime. My transition to Leeds was filled with unexpected challenges, including four different coaches in just five months, which ultimately thwarted my ambitions.

“I had hoped to perform well, help the team in their relegation battle, and attract interest from a top Premier League club. While that did not materialize, there is now renewed interest from such teams.

Friedel believes McKennie has a strong desire to prove himself in England, stating, “I hope he has that determination. Such experiences would motivate me profoundly. I would love to see Weston thrive at a prestigious club in England, as it is currently the strongest league from top to bottom. He possesses the talent to not only compete but to excel.

Having spent six years at Juventus and participating in over 200 matches, McKennie appears ready to explore new opportunities. He may choose to wait until after the upcoming home World Cup with the USMNT to make a definitive decision about his future, with a transfer window expected to open shortly thereafter.