AC Milan are looking for options to strengthen the midfield without spending a fortune, and this has led them to Weston McKennie.
According to Calciomercato.com, McKennie’s future at Juventus increasingly hinges on Luciano Spalletti’s. His central role in the Bianconeri’s plans since the arrival of the Italian coach could be a decisive factor in terms of his contract renewal.
Since his arrival at Juve, Spalletti has restored McKennie to a starring role. From a simple ‘wild card’ before, the USA international has now become a key pillar. Since the match against Cremonese, the first of the Spalletti era, McKennie has started every game and has only been subbed off three times.
Added to this is his attacking contribution, which has been anything but small: two goals in the league and three in the Champions League, often in key moments. Spalletti has used him everywhere, even including him in the attack.
It’s no coincidence that, post-match after the win over Napoli, the coach had some very strong words for his midfielder: “McKennie is like a perfect central striker. He fights, he’s strong in the air, he has impressive jumping ability, and he makes decisions that get results. He would be an ideal striker.”
Allegri Pulisic McKennie
Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images
Renewal or rival?
John McKennie, the player’s father, also underlined this, taking to social media to highlight his son’s moment: “I can say I haven’t seen Wes this happy in a long time. The coach has definitely made the difference.”
These words sound like confirmation of Spalletti’s impact, but could also be interpreted as a clue regarding the transfer market. McKennie’s contract expires in June, and negotiations for a renewal are currently on hold.
Both the club and the player are keen to continue working together, but an agreement hasn’t been reached yet. Juventus would like to speed things up, especially since several clubs are interested in signing the American on a free transfer.
In Italy, among the admirers are Massimiliano Allegri’s Milan (for whom it would be a reunion) and Roma, who conducted an enquiry last summer. The MLS also remains in the background, with McKennie possibly considering a return to the United States after next summer’s ‘home’ World Cup.
Much, if not everything, will depend on Spalletti. Never before has McKennie felt so central, valued and decisive, so the Juve management have some decisions to make.