McKennie Making Waves

McKennie Marked His 200th Juventus Appearance With an Assist in the Coppa Italia

Weston McKennie marked a significant personal milestone during Juventus' comfortable Coppa Italia victory over Udinese on Tuesday, making his 200th appearance for the club in a performance that once again demonstrated his enduring value to the Bianconeri.

The American midfielder proved instrumental in the 2-0 triumph, creating the opening goal when his delivery into the box was turned into his own net by teenage defender Matteo Palma. McKennie's influence didn't end there—he later won a penalty after being fouled by the same defender, allowing Manuel Locatelli to seal the victory from the spot. His statistical output told the story of another industrious display: leading the match with three chances created, completing 84% of his passes, and winning the majority of his duels over 90 minutes.

Reflecting on reaching 200 games in Turin, McKennie expressed genuine appreciation for his journey. "It's been a long journey, but one I wouldn't trade for anything," he shared on Instagram, adding that the club has given him so much.

McKennie's achievement comes amid uncertainty about his future, with his contract expiring in June and extension talks reportedly stalled since the summer. Despite earning €3 million annually and seeking a modest increase, Juventus management has yet to meet his expectations. Premier League clubs and MLS sides are monitoring the situation, though the club plans to reject January offers.

The 27-year-old's recent form under Luciano Spalletti has been exceptional, starting 10 consecutive matches and scoring his first goal against Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League. His versatility across midfield positions has proven invaluable, allowing him to adapt to various tactical requirements while maintaining consistent energy levels and reliability—qualities that have made him indispensable to successive managers despite periodic attempts by club officials to explore his sale.