Reported Southampton and Aston Villa target Weston McKennie told ESPN it’s his dream to play in the Premier League but the call of Juventus was too great.
The US international midfielder was heavily coveted during the summer.
After Schalke’s disappointing second half of last season, a summer exit was all-but inevitable for McKennie and Premier League clubs were keen.
Southampton had entered talks in September over a £20 million deal (Sky).
The Birmingham Mail, meanwhile, claimed that McKennie had told high-flying Aston Villa that he would be open to a move to Villa Park.
But despite the Premier League being his dream destination, McKennie snubbed the duo in favour of Juventus as he cites playing for one of the world’s best as the biggest incentive.
“In general, I can say that my dream was to go to the Premier League but when Juventus called me, with these players, with this staff, with Pirlo on the bench, they immediately intrigued me. A club that wins is a great challenge. they are the best in the world, it’s perfect for my goals. I want to win and make the history of the club, as tradition and support is one of the most interesting clubs,” McKennie explained.
McKennie, 22, is a tenacious midfielder who models his game on Arturo Vidal.
He will join a Juventus side containing an abundance of talent such as Paulo Dybala, Matthijs de Ligt, Arthur Melo and of course Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
Southampton, meanwhile, moved on from their failure to lure McKennie to St Mary’s by concluding a deal for 21-year-old midfielder Ibrahima Diallo from Brest.
The Saints saw Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg depart the club for Tottenham Hotspur in the summer therefore it was imperative to bring in another combative midfielder.
Villa, on the other hand, spent big elsewhere with Ollie Watkins, Matty Cash, Emiliano Martinez and Bertrand Traore arriving at Villa Park for over a combined £70 million.
The Villans did manage to add midfielder Ross Barkley on loan, but the biggest inclusion in their midfielder has been John McGinn returning to full fitness.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
