Ex-Leeds star Weston McKennie makes surprise decision on shock return

Former Leeds midfielder Weston McKennie has decided to sign a contract extension at Juventus despite head coach Luciano Spalletti potentially facing the sack.

The American has been a man reborn under the former Italy and Napoli manager, consistently being one of the standout performers in an inconsistent Juventus side who have lacked consistent attacking output from their star attackers, with the exception of Kenan Yildiz.

However, February has proved to be a disastrous month for Spalletti, the Old Lady and McKennie. A five-game winless run that has seen them crash out of the Coppa Italia and left their chances of Champions League progression hanging by a thread has increased the pressure on the coach.

Reports in Italy suggest that the 66-year-old only has two games to salvage his job, which is a drastic deviation from the claims made a few weeks ago that suggested he could be in line for a new contract.

Despite Spalletti potentially facing the axe, McKennie has decided to continue at Juventus. The 27-year-old has agreed a new contract with the Bianconeri, according to Fabrizio Romano and Gazzetta dello Sport.

McKennie extends Juve deal

For months, the USMNT star was widely expected to become a free agent in the summer, but his incredible resurgence in recent weeks has convinced Juventus that he deserves an extension.

Following a fresh round of discussions, a broad agreement on terms has been reached. McKennie will sign on until 2030 and receive a salary increase that will eventually reach up to €4 million per season by the end of his deal.

The long-serving midfielder’s new contract is expected to be announced early next week, following the must-win games against Galatasaray and AS Roma, which will determine Spalletti’s future.

McKennie joined Juventus in 2020 and will complete a decade at the club if he sees out his new deal. The Texas-native has made 218 appearances for the Bianconeri to date. By signing a new contract, McKennie has opted to snub interest from Major League Soccer yet again.

Like US captain Christian Pulisic, the 27-year-old has yet to play a competitive game in the US. He came through the FC Dallas academy but left for Schalke 04 as a teenager instead of signing a homegrown contract.

Several MLS franchises have shown an interest in bringing McKennie back stateside, but just like in 2024 when he rejected FC Cincinnati, he has decided to continue playing in Serie A.

In January, it was also reported that several Premier League clubs showed an interest in bringing the former Leeds loanee back to England, but this option is off the table now as well.

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