A Weston McKennie Aston Villa move could be in the cards this summer as Italian giants Juventus and Villa are in deep discussion of a swap deal.
Juventus are homing in on Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz who had a sensational 2023-24 campaign in England with 53 appearances and 20 goal contributions (10 goals, 10 assists).
The 26-year-old Brazilian is valued at around $75 million according to transfermarkt. Juventus are offering money along with two players, one being USMNT star McKennie.
Weston McKennie Aston Villa transfer news
⚫️⚪️ Juventus manager Thiago Motta has given green light to Douglas Luiz swap deal.
Juventus and Aston Villa are more than close to final agreement!Weston McKennie, Samuel Iling Jr. and €20m fee to #AVFC as revealed.
↪️ Personal terms for all players, now discussed. pic.twitter.com/vFqxtZggo8
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 11, 2024
WESTON MCKENNIE ‘MORE THAN CLOSE’ TO ASTON VILLA MOVE
USMNT midfielder could be set for PL return, after new Juventus boss Thiago Motta gave green light to Wes & Iling Jr. swap for Douglas Luiz, reports Fabrizio Romano.Would you be excited to see McKennie back in England? pic.twitter.com/x8zzqBsad4
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) June 11, 2024
The 25-year-old American had a renaissance season with Juventus. Last summer he had returned from an unsuccessful loan with Leeds United and wasn’t included in manager Massimiliano Allegri’s plans for the season.
McKennie chose to stay and fight for a spot on the squad. Bans to midfielders Paul Pogba and Nicolo Fagioli gave Weston a foot in the door, and he took full advantage cementing himself into Juve’s starting XI.
He led the team in Serie A assists with twice as many as the next Juventus player. Across all competitions McKennie finished the season 10 assists and helped lead the team to lifting the Coppa Italia.
Juventus and McKennie haven’t been able to reach an agreement on his salary for next season. He has one year left on his contract and rather than signing an extension, the club could choose to sell him this summer.
If McKennie returns to the Premier League, he will once again have to prove himself and win over fans. Villa supporters have reacted negatively to the idea of the swap move with doubts about the American.
that’s taking the piss now, two unwanted juventus players! The amount of money is embarrassing for a player that was one of our best players last season.
— Zak Price (@ZakPrice1234567) June 11, 2024
Aston Villa selling Douglas Luiz to Juventus and getting Weston McKennie in return is an absolute disgrace, I am disgusted.
— Rebekka (@rebekkarnold) June 10, 2024
His last spell in the EPL with Leeds was disastrous as the club were relegated, McKennie had poor performances and the fans made him one of their biggest enemies. Leeds fans still despise McKennie to this day.
If the transfer does go through McKennie will still play in the Champions League next season as Aston Villa finished in the top four. His experience in the competition, 24 appearances and four goals, will be valuable.
USMNT fans will be interested to see McKennie playing under Unai Emery who is widely considered one of the top managers in Europe.