During the summer transfer window, Juventus surprised some onlookers by signing the USA international Weston McKennie from the Bundesliga team Schalke 04.
Juventus reached a loan agreement with Schalke, which includes an obligation to purchase the player under certain conditions, linked to McKennie’s caps and Juventus’results as a team over the next two seasons.
However, Juventus seems to have already decided about the future of the American midfielder regardless of the clauses in the contract. The Bianconeri are looking to permanently acquire McKennie next June for 18,5 million euros, as stated by Juvelive.it.
McKennie has performed well in this first part of the season, Andrea Pirlo has used him either as a central midfielder, his natural position or as an offensive midfielder, a key component in Pirlo’s 3-4-1-2 formation.
With Aaron Ramsey often sidelined by injury and Dejan Kulusevski generally played on the flanks or as a support striker, it could be possible for McKennie to become a regular in Pirlo’s line up if he keeps improving in the role as an attacking midfielder.
His natural role is as a box-to-box mid. His strength is in breaking up play in the middle of the field and starting counters (and occasionally finishing them as well). He’s world-class already in that role. He hasn’t looked as comfortable, or as impactful, when the mister positions him closer to the front. If we use him correctly (and hang onto him) he has the physical, technical, and intellectual potential to become a Juventus legend one day.