Juventus and Genoa in Talks for Permanent McKennie Sale

Juventus is actively seeking a permanent transfer for midfielder Weston McKennie this summer, with Genoa showing serious interest, according to Italian media. The American international spent the second half of the 2023/24 season on loan at Genoa, and the newly-promoted club is keen to make his move permanent. The 25-year-old is not in the plans of new Juventus manager Thiago Motta and is expected to leave Turin in the current transfer window. Negotiations are reportedly ongoing between the two clubs, with the player also reportedly open to the move. The potential fee is expected to be in the region of €10-12 million, though the final figure is still under discussion. McKennie, who joined Juventus from Schalke 04 in 2020, had a mixed spell in Turin but found a consistent run of form while on loan at Leeds United in the 2022/23 season. His subsequent loan to Genoa last season saw him become a key player, making 25 appearances and contributing to their successful campaign. Genoa manager Alberto Gilardino is said to be a strong admirer of McKennie's physicality and work rate, seeing him as a key component for the upcoming Serie A campaign. For Juventus, the sale would represent a significant piece of the club's summer restructuring, generating a pure capital gain for Financial Fair Play purposes as they look to reshape their squad under the new sporting director, Cristiano Giuntoli. McKennie's departure would continue a summer of significant change in Turin, following the departure of head coach Massimiliano Allegri and the appointment of Thiago Motta, who is expected to overhaul the midfield. A move to Genoa would offer McKennie regular first-team football and the chance to be a central figure in a project, as opposed to a squad role at a larger club. For Genoa, securing a player of McKennie's experience and energy would be a significant statement of intent as they prepare for a second season back in the top flight. The deal is seen as a logical step for all parties, with Juventus keen to streamline their squad and Genoa looking to build on a solid mid-table finish.