Inter Miami becomes latest team to show interest in McKennie
United States men’s national team star Weston McKennie is now being linked with Inter Miami. The midfielder has been plying his trade in Europe ever since joining Schalke‘s academy back in 2016. While with the German side, McKennie made a name for himself during three fairly successful seasons.
His progress with Schalke earned the midfielder a marquee move to Juventus in 2020. The deal initially involved a loan switch, but eventually became permanent a year later. In total, the Old Lady paid the German club around $30 million for the American star. McKennie’s time in Italy, however, has not exactly gone as planned. He was subsequently loaned to English team Leeds for the second-half of the 2022/23 season.
He eventually returned to Juve last summer and featured quite heavily for the Italians once again during the most recent campaign. Nevertheless, new head coach Thiago Motta apparently does not see McKennie in his future plans. As a result, the USMNT star is almost certain to switch clubs at some point this summer.
McKennie reportedly interested in playing alongside Miami’s stars
Now, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Major League Soccer side Inter Miami is interested in signing McKennie. The Italian news outlet claims that the USMNT midfielder is seemingly open to the move as well.
A significant reason for this willingness to move back to the States revolves around current Miami players. McKennie wants to potentially play alongside Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets.
The deal, however, isn’t complete. An issue in any possible agreement could very well come down to McKennie’s current wages. The midfielder currently makes almost $3.5 million annually at Juve.
It’s unclear if Miami are willing to pay the midfielder a similar salary. Nevertheless, McKennie could seemingly make up any potential lost money in advertising here in the United States.
If finally completed, the move would be a fairly big coup for MLS. The North American league is generally seen as a way for older former stars to finish out their time as a professional. McKennie, however, is just 25 at the moment and undoubtedly in the prime of his playing career.
USMNT star recently rejected chance at Premier League return
Miami is not the only MLS club to show interest in McKennie. It was reported in June that FC Cincinnati also wants to bring in the USMNT star as well. Reports at the time claimed that the relatively newer North American top flight team would be willing to bid as high as $15 million in order to sign McKennie.
This particular price tag is not necessarily high, but reflective of the player’s current contract situation. The American only has one more year remaining on his deal with Juve. As a result, he should be able to depart the Old Lady for a fairly modest fee.
McKennie certainly seems to have options though. He previously looked set to join Premier League side Aston Villa as part of the previous Douglas Luiz deal. The Brazilian recently moved to Juve from the Birmingham-based club. Nevertheless, the American rejected the chance to move back to England. The midfielder also is garnering interest from select teams in Germany and Turkey as well.
Photo credits: IMAGO / Icon Sportswire : IMAGO / Goal Sports Images.