West Ham United could make a move for Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie. The USA international has been a part of the Italian side since the start of last season, first joining the club on loan and then a permanent deal earlier this year.
As per Football Insider, the Hammers are lining up a move for the 23-year-old and discussions between the Premier League side and Juve have begun. Juve, who had signed him for a fee of £18 million, are willing to let him leave the club.
McKennie was previously with Schalke before joining the Italian club. He has four years remaining on his current deal at Juve. He has played 25 times for his national side since making his debut back in 2017.
Weston McKennie to West Ham United: Good fit for them?
West Ham United have had a good 18 months or so in the Premier League, qualifying for the Europa League last season. The Hammers have improved significantly under manager David Moyes, with England international Declan Rice being one of their key players. Rice’s exceptional performances for the Hammers, though, has resulted in interest for his signature from other clubs.
The Englishman has reportedly hit an impasse with his club with respect to his contract talks and there is a belief the Hammers could indeed be ready to sell him if a suitable offer comes in. Club captain Mark Noble will also retire at the end of the season, which means that the club might well have very few options in the middle of the park.
The signing of Weston McKennie could be a shrewd bit of business by Moyes and co. The American is a versatile player who can play in central midfield or defensive midfield, while he has also played further forward and out wide too. McKennie has also played as a centre-back on a few occasions.
The 23-year-old’s versatile nature will hold him in good stead in whichever club he plays for. He has all the qualities to succeed and while the US international is not the finished product yet, exposure to different leagues in such a short span of time should not be something he should shy away from.
He has the energy and work-rate to move from one box to the other, while he can also be a defensive midfielder who sweeps things up at the back. The US international is good in the air and likes making tackles and interceptions while operating from the base of midfield.
He would be a like-for-like replacement for Rice, if the English international leaves the club. Weston McKennie has ample experience of playing in Europe and has featured a lot for a top-class club like Juventus. The American is a player who will be one for the present and the future and could be a very good signing for David Moyes.