Last year, Weston McKennie joined a very elite club of American players who've plied their trades in Serie A. More significant was the fact that the USMNT midfielder became the first American international to ever sign with Juventus in the organization's history.
At the time, the 22-year-old Texan was brought in on a loan deal; in short, a trial to see how he'd fare in Italian football's top flight. He's since impressed Andrea Pirlo and the Juventus hierarchy with his dynamic performances in the middle of the park, which has seen him score five goals so far (four in Serie A and one in the Champions League).
Many Serie A supporters were a bit skeptical when Juventus opted to spend $5.4 million (€4.5m/£3.8m) in August as McKennie had previously played for Schalke, a team that didn't even finish in the top half of the table. Still, clearly, the Bianconeri saw his potential and he has more than repaid their faith, making over 30 appearances so far across all comps and becoming a regular in Pirlo's starting XI.
Thus, in a bid to possibly keep others at bay, Juventus decided to exercise their option to make his signature a permanent one. The deal will cost La Vecchia Signora approximately $22.3 million (€18.5m/£15.9m) over the span of the next three years, meaning that McKennie's contract will last until June 2025.
The reigning Scudetto champions may also have to pay an additional $7.8 million (€6.5m/£5.6m) in performance-related bonuses should McKennie hit certain milestones.
Fans will be able to see the rising USMNT star in action along with his teammates when Juventus take on Lazio this weekend, followed by a crunch clash in the Champions League against Porto just three days later on March 9th.
