BEVERLY HILLS, March 03, (THEWILL) – Defending champions of the Italian League Juventus announced, on Wednesday, that it had triggered the €18.5 million clause to permanently acquire the services of professional American footballer Weston James Earl McKennie from Bundesliga side FC Schalke 04.
Pundits calculate that the total transfer fee for McKennie could reach €25 million and that will still be a bargain for Juve.
Initially, Juve took the midfielder on loan for the price of €4.5 million in August for the 2020-21 campaign. McKennie quickly established himself as a reliable man in the middle of the park with the extra gift of being able to provide scoring options for the frontline and to score himself in 14 starts out of his 21 Serie A appearances so far.
Suddenly, what appeared a risky loan for the 22-year-old has witnessed a change of fortunes for the American.
An advancement from Schalke to Juventus was undoubtedly a step up in terms of prestige, but playing time was doubtful in an outfit like Juve brimming with talents. There was Arthur coming in from Barcelona to join a cast of Aaron Ramsey, Rodrigo Bentancur and Adrien Rabiot in the squad’s midfield.
McKennie cast all doubts aside and proceeded to prove to first-year manager Andrea Pirlo that he was worth regular playing time. Four Serie A goals from a midfield position has helped to cement his inclusion in the starting lineup. He’s the fourth-highest goal-scorer and rated as Juve’s seventh-best player this season.
Clearly, Pirlo understands his importance and McKennie has been included in four Champions League matches with a substitute appearance in another two fixtures. He even scored in Juve’s 3-0 group-stage victory over Barcelona in December and it was clear that McKennie was the sort of player you do not allow to slip away.
It did not help Schalke’s position that they currently are rock bottom in the standings of the League in Germany having copped a paltry nine points from 23 matches this season. That set of circumstances can only worsen the terrible financial situation in the German side that necessitated the loaning off of the American. A drop to 2 Bundesliga will be devastating for them.
In the event Juventus ever wanted to send him elsewhere, they would have little trouble recouping their investment and then some especially if they get to win some silverware while he remains in their ranks.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
