Transfer News: West Ham in pole position to sign Weston McKennie

West Ham United could pin themselves on top of the queue to sign Weston McKennie, who Juventus are open to selling the USMNT star.

According to Calciomercato, West Ham United are in a strong position to sign Weston McKennie, with Juventus open to offers for the 23-year-old USMNT star. Last season, the midfielder was a revelation, but the Turin club would like to cash in due to his form tailing off.

Weston McKennie made 34 appearances in Serie A last season, as he proved an important player for Juventus. There was no doubt the Turin club would make his loan move from Schalke permanent, and they obliged by paying over £18 million for the transfer.

However, following the appointment of Massimiliano Allegri as the manager in the summer, the American is not guaranteed a fixed place in the team. McKennie has been in and out of the side this season, playing just four games in the league covering just over 210 minutes of football.

In the aftermath of the Italian’s re-appointment, Juventus even considered selling him on in the summer window. English clubs such as Aston Villa, West Ham and Everton were reportedly keen on signing the American, but McKennie seemingly felt these clubs weren’t adequate for his career path.

Embed from Getty Images

Tottenham were also keen on bringing him on loan. Still, former Juventus and current Spurs director Fabio Paratici, who was instrumental in prising him away from Schalke, failed in the pursuit. It was then reported the player would like to pursue his career at the Turin club.

Despite facing a reported rejection in the summer, West Ham have continued to keep tabs on the player. So far, the London club looks like favourites to sign the midfielder, who is reportedly free to leave Juventus when a sizeable offer arrives.

David Moyes would like an energetic midfielder who could offer some goals and assists from the centre. McKennie has certainly demonstrated that aspect of his game and could fit in the Hammers’ side quite efficiently. It remains to be seen how much money does the London club offer for the player.

Juventus will certainly demand a sizeable fee for McKennie, who has five years left on his current deal, which expires in 2025. However, with the Turin club still reeling from the financial impact of the pandemic, they might just accept an offer that lands them a slight profit over their investment in the player.

Then again, a move will finally depend on McKennie’s decision whether or not to join a club such as West Ham. He might look to stay put until the summer and then evaluate his options, hoping for a big club from Europe to come into the frame.