Weston McKennie will only show Massimiliano Allegri he deserves a future with Juventus if the Aston Villa and Tottenham target can score 10 goals this season, per Calciomercato.
McKennie remained in Turin beyond the summer transfer market, but his future with the Serie A giants is still clouded. The American sits fifth in Allegri’s pecking order, with Manuel Locatelli, Aaron Ramsey, Adrien Rabiot and Rodrigo Bentancur preferred.
Allegri seemed willing to offer McKennie another shot after a pre-season friendly with the Bianconeri’s U23s. The Italian yelled: ‘Wes, this year you have to score 10,’ during the game. But Allegri’s demand did not reflect McKennie’s chances, and he was pushed toward the Allianz Stadium exit door as the Old Lady struggled to sell their other unwanted players.
Aston Villa and Tottenham showed interest in signing McKennie from Juventus before last Tuesday’s deadline. Neither’s pursuit materialised with a deal, but the Villans remain attentive for a potential mid-season approach.
Over the four in-between months, McKennie can only show Allegri he deserves to stay in Turin by making strides toward his manager’s 10-goal target. If the USMNT star cannot, the Bianconeri will explore selling the 23-year-old again during the winter.
Aston Villa will certainly be paying attention to McKennie’s form with Juventus and attempt at a maiden 10-goal campaign. That’s because The Sun report Dean Smith’s side are already considering a mid-season move for the 25-cap midfielder.
McKennie may need a considerable rise in his output to stay with his Serie A outfit, as well. The Texas natives’ six goals over 46 appearances across all competitions last term marked a career-best single-season return. His previous high was three with Schalke during 2019/20 before joining Juventus on loan, which they turned permanent for £16m.
Should Aston Villa or Tottenham revive their interest in Juventus’ McKennie?
While Juventus would have sold McKennie, Aston Villa, Tottenham and their rival suitors faced a €30m-35m (£26m-30m) valuation, per Calciomercato. And while Villa made the Old Lady a cash-only offer and Spurs proposed a swap deal, neither seemingly bid enough.
The Bianconeri may have to accept lesser sums to part with the American in January if he cannot impress Allegri. So, Aston Villa and Tottenham will likely monitor McKennie’s form, in view of potentially raiding Juventus for an out-of-favour star.
McKennie would have a lot to offer either Premier League side, with his former Schalke boss David Wagner lauding the American as ‘outstanding’ during their time together, via Bundesliga.com. USA coach Gregg Berhalter also considers the versatile midfielder – who Gianluca Di Marzio claims Spurs have a strong interest in – to be a ‘unique’ individual.
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