Juventus' Weston McKennie in action with Sampdoria's Abdelhamid Sabiri
Newcastle United are one of a plethora of clubs in the race to sign Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie, according to journalist Simon Phillips.
The Lowdown: Out of favour
Despite being linked with a move away from the Turin outfit this summer, the 24-year-old decided to remain with Massimiliano Allegri’s side for the 2022/23 campaign.
However, the United States international has seen himself fall down the pecking order at the Italian club, having only completed the full 90 minutes on three occasions in the Serie A this season.
As a result, a number of fresh transfer rumours have emerged, as Juve may need to raise cash to ease their financial problems – the Old Lady revealed the largest loss ever recorded in Serie A history earlier this month.
The Latest: NUFC news
Phillips shared fresh transfer news involving McKennie on Sunday, revealing the Magpies have joined the race to secure his services.
Taking to his Substack (via MOT Leeds News), the journalist claimed:
“Chelsea are monitoring Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie.
“Many clubs are monitoring the 24-year-old though. Chelsea join Manchester United, Tottenham, Newcastle, Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid, Leeds United, and Aston Villa in being interested in the versatile midfielder.”
The Verdict: Great signing
Statistically similar to the likes of Barcelona’s Franck Kessie and the Magpies’ own Joelinton, McKennie’s underlying numbers illustrate why his arrival at St. James’ Park would be a brilliant addition to Eddie Howe’s squad.
As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the midfielder ranks highly for non penalty goals, touches in the opposing penalty area, blocks and aerial duels won, proving to be a combative presence who also loves to time runs into the box.
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Having been hailed as ‘superb’ by commentator Maximiliano Bretos, McKennie’s engine in the middle of the park would provide a solid option to rotate with the likes of Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes, highlighting the huge jump in the calibre of player linked with Newcastle’s squad.
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