Kenan Yildiz and Weston McKennie Contracts: Juventus Facing a Key Decision

Yildiz and McKennie situations push Juventus to decide soon. The 20-year-old striker has been dealing with Juventus silence about a pay rise to match the salary of a top player. The US midfielder is in a weird position, because he’s as important as he is expendable in the Bianconeri transfer market.

Why Juventus Can’t Afford to Stall on Kenan Yıldız

At Juventus, they’re always trying to show they can compete for the Scudetto, and there are always some pretty heated transfer market situations. As well as the possible renewal of Vlahovic’s contract, there are issues related to Kenan Yildiz and Weston McKennie.

It’s true that Juventus has given the young Turkish player the most important shirt in its history, but it also has a budget that’s not always great. A lot of people think Yildiz is a rising star in world football, right up there with Yamal and Estevao.

Alessandro Del Piero, Massimo Mauro, Zbigniew Boniek and, recently, Luciano Spalletti himself have all had nice things to say about the Turkish player. So, what’s the hold-up with Juventus not renewing his contract? The club wants to focus on the pitch, where the Bianconeri have been a bit weak so far, but the Bianconeri management also has to deal with its budget to make smart purchases in January, like Spalletti is hoping for. Yildiz doesn’t seem like he’ll be leaving Turin anytime soon, but the Premier League is calling and time is ticking.

How Weston McKennie Became Both Essential and Expendable

Weston McKennie’s situation is a whole other ball game. The American midfielder is once again showing how important he is to Spalletti’s tactical balance. When out of possession, McKennie operates wide, behind Conceiçao and is tasked with tracking the most advanced opposing player on that side: Cambiaghi against Bologna, or Wesley on Saturday. When Juventus have the ball, the Texan cuts inside centrally and turns into an additional attacking player behind the main striker, occupying a sharp position. 

But even though McKennie gives everything in his performances for the Old Lady, he always seems to fit the profile of someone who has to leave to make room for new players in the squad (above all Frattesi and Hojbjerg).

Premier League Temptation and a January That Could Decide Everything

So, what holds the future for McKennie? Leeds United and West Ham are eyeing a move for him. He could be keen on starring at the World Cup with big-name compatriots and is open to a return to England. Negotiations have stalled but both clubs are interested in signing him to bolster their squads.