Juventus have signed USMNT star Weston McKennie on a yearlong loan and can permanently sign the midfielder for €18.5 million.
Arturo Vidal wanted a reunion with Andrea Pirlo but it is Weston McKennie who joins his dressing room. The USMNT star joins Juventus on an initial loan deal that will cost them €4.5 million.
McKennie impressed in Bundesliga with strugglers Schalke 04 and was understandably excited to join the record Italian champions. The 22-year-old was in awe of his new teammates, sharing that it is a dream come true as he only played with such high quality players in video games.
“I’m very excited. I grew up watching these players, using them in video games, they were my idols. For me it is a dream come true,” McKennie told Juventus’ official website.
“What comes to my mind when I think of the name Juventus? History, certainly history, and champions of Italy, always.”
McKennie is aware of the pressure the Juve shirt brings. He shared that he is proud of his achievements and knows that a difficult task awaits him.
“Being first in something is always something to be proud of,” McKennie reflecting on being first American Juve player. “Bradley told me something about Serie A, it’s a difficult championship and I’m happy to be part of it.”
“I tell the fans to expect 100% from me every game, for me it’s all or nothing.”
The Texas native joined Schalke 04 in the summer of 2016. McKennie has been a regular for the Royal Blues in the last three years, making 91 appearances in all competitions.