What's behind Juventus' farewell to USMNT player Weston McKennie?
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Life in soccer is a constant back and forth, and Weston McKennie is about to experience it in a big way. The American midfielder, who won the hearts of Juventus fans with his versatility and tenacity, doesn't seem to be in the plans of new coach Thiago Motta. In a twist that took many by surprise, McKennie could soon be saying goodbye to Turin, and Turkey appears to be his next destination.
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Thiago Motta, who has taken over at the Old Lady, has already made it clear that McKennie is not part of his project. The American, who has a contract until 2025, has seen his name associated with a series of negotiations, including a failed move to Aston Villa. Juventus have now set their sights on Ferdi Kadioglu, right-back for Fenerbahce and the Turkish national team, who could land in Turin in exchange for McKennie.
McKennie arrived at Juventus with high expectations and, under Massimiliano Allegri, has proved to be a valuable player, capable of playing both in midfield and on the wing. His ability to read the game, intercept passes and launch quick counter-attacks made him one of the most complete players of his generation. But with the arrival of Motta, the scenario changed dramatically.
Juventus, with an eye on the market, are looking to strengthen with Kadioglu, whose market value is around 20 million euros. The young Turk, who has been a standout at Fenerbahce, is seen as a key player in the renewal of the Bianconeri squad. And Fenerbahce coach José Mourinho has made no secret of his admiration for McKennie, which could facilitate the American's transfer to the Turkish club.
With the transfer market in full swing, Juventus want to resolve McKennie's situation as soon as possible. The club's management is looking to close the sale of the USMNT player in order to invest in the incoming market and strengthen the team for next season. Despite his ups and downs, McKennie has made his mark at Juventus, showing his worth on the pitch and earning the respect of the fans.
McKennie's possible departure also raises questions about the club's management and Motta's strategic decisions. Juventus, which has undergone several changes in recent years, is still searching for the ideal formula to return to the top of European soccer. And while McKennie prepares for a new adventure, the Old Lady continues her search for new talents who can make a difference.
At the end of the day, that's soccer - a continuous cycle of arrivals and departures. For McKennie, Turkey could be a fresh start, a chance to showcase his talent in a different setting. What's more, he'll be able to work with a great coach, a multi-champion, the only one to win every club title in UEFA competitions. This will allow him to develop and obviously favors his move to the USMNT.
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