Milan (AFP) – Weston McKennie is a symbol of a new generation coming through at Juventus along with Dejan Kulusevski, Federico Chiesa and Matthijs De Ligt.
The 22-year-old Texan became the first player from the United States to play for the Turin giants when he arrived from Bundesliga club Schalke last summer on loan.
Coach Andrea Pirlo has hailed the young international as “a rock” in a difficult period for the Italian champions with an ongoing injury crisis.
Juventus trail Portuguese club Porto 2-1 going into the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie in Turin on Tuesday.
Forward Chiesa, 23, pulled a goal back for the Italians late in Portugal, for a precious away goal as they look to avoid crashing in the last 16 for a second consecutive year.
Weston McKennie Makes Juventus Stay Permanent
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Alvaro Morata returns to set Juventus on way to win over Spezia
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In a move that comes as no surprise, Juventus has “exercised the option right for the definitive acquisition“ of Weston McKennie from FC Schalke, extending his loan into a permanent transfer. The Italian giants will pay 18.5 million euros, which may increase by an additional 6.5 million euros if certain contractual conditions are met. His deal with the club lasts through June of 2025.
McKennie has exceeded all expectations since joining Juventus in August. He’s scored five goals in 31 appearances and lifted the Italian Super Cup, impressing with his play. Although his time in Italy has been brief, the 22-year-old is already the highest-scoring American in Serie A history. Despite lingering injury issues, Andrea Pirlo views the versatile midfielder as an “important player” for the 36-time Italian champions.
Juventus makes Weston McKennie s move to Turin permanent
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