Aston Villa hunt to sign Weston McKennie takes new twist over pre-season tour snub
Aston Villa target Weston McKennie is set to miss out on Juventus’ pre-season tour of the United States after he has been deemed not part of Massimiliano Allegri’s plans for next season, according to Corriere dello Sport.
The Italian newspaper reported (15 July, page four) that McKennie has been training separately from the rest of the Juventus squad as they look to make significant player sales amid speculation of his move to Villa Park.
McKennie joined Leeds United on loan in January in a season that ended in relegation but still has suitors including Borussia Dortmund and Galatasaray [Caught Offside].
Emery’s call
On paper, this move does not feel too inspiring.
While McKennie is clearly a quality player, as seen through his international acclaim, his poor form last season with Leeds United may make Villa think that there are better, cheaper options on the market for the midfield.
Considering the acquisition of Youri Tielemans on a free transfer, perhaps other areas need to be strengthened before they continue their midfield search. The winger position must be a priority with Leon Bailey and Bertrand Traore the only natural wide attackers, and underwhelming options at that.
However, since Unai Emery has come into the club he’s made significant strides in not just improving Villa, but setting them up to be a regular European side. His transfer targets should be trusted and if he has identified McKennie as a valuable option for the club, then fans must count on him until it goes wrong.
Furthermore, almost every player in Leeds’ team last season looked poor, so judging McKennie solely on that campaign would feel short-sighted. His 20 total appearances won’t be enough to judge him on.
However, he has failed to make a significant splash at Juventus in his three permanent seasons there as the Old Lady looks keen to shift the American out of the club.
The jury is still out on McKennie, but perhaps a risk is what is needed to get the best out of the 24-year-old. A move to a more stable and progressive side like Emery’s Villa could rejuvenate his high-potential career.
In other Aston Villa news, Villa targets new winger amid quality shortage in an eight-figure deal.