Weston McKennie Snub Sparks Juventus Soul-Searching

Weston McKennie and Tim Weah left Saudi Arabia with little more than sunburn and secondhand memories as Juventus slipped quietly out of the FIFA Club World Cup, beaten 1-0 by Real Madrid in Tuesday’s round-of-16 tie. The result itself was no disgrace; a bench-bound evening for two of the United States’ headline talents is harder to explain—and could shape both the club’s 2025-26 plans and next summer’s USMNT build-up.

Weston McKennie’s disappearing act

For much of the tournament Weston McKennie appeared central to Igor Tudor’s thinking. He captained the opening two group games and logged 222 minutes before Los Blancos rolled into Riyadh. Then, without warning, the Texan was relegated to a late four-minute cameo as Juve chased an equaliser that never came. Sources inside Continassa insist the decision was tactical, yet McKennie’s reaction—visibly frustrated during the warm-down—suggests the player expected more. With only one year left on his contract, Juventus must now decide whether to extend, sell, or risk losing a starter on a free next summer. The sudden benching feels like a message.

Digging into Tudor’s logic

Tudor elected for a double pivot of Manuel Locatelli and Adrien Rabiot, trusting their ball security against Real Madrid’s press. McKennie has evolved into a box-to-box connector, but his forward surges can leave gaps; against Jude Bellingham and company, the manager evidently prioritised positional discipline. The call worked defensively—Madrid scored only via a deflected Brahim Díaz strike—yet Juventus created precious little until McKennie’s late arrival. The lesson? Juve without their American energy looks worryingly flat.

Tim Weah’s transfer limbo

While McKennie stews, Tim Weah wonders where he will even be playing come August. The winger saw just 45 of 360 possible minutes at the CWC, despite Federico Chiesa’s ongoing adductor issues. A £15 million deal with Nottingham Forest was reportedly agreed, only for Weah to reject personal terms on the eve of the Manchester City group match. Forest remain interested, while Crystal Palace and Lyon have made enquiries. Juventus value the 25-year-old’s pace but cannot guarantee starts in a 3-5-2 that rarely uses orthodox wide men; cashing in could fund a needed left-back.

Why Weah stayed glued to the bench

Team insiders cite match-fitness: Weah missed most of December with a thigh strain. Yet training-ground observers say he has looked sharp for weeks. More plausible is that Juventus did not want to risk injury to a player on the market. The optics of an unused substitute align neatly with an imminent move—and they leave the USMNT staff craving club minutes that may never come in Turin.

Juventus face a Weston McKennie decision

Accounting realities loom large. The Bianconeri must present healthier books before the end of the current fiscal year. McKennie’s market value—estimated at €28 million—offers an immediate boost, but selling would tear out a first-choice midfielder. Extending his contract spreads amortisation and protects resale value, yet negotiations stalled last autumn over salary. The Club World Cup snub could be leverage: accept our terms or look elsewhere.

What it means for the USMNT

Gregg Berhalter wants core players settled by March 2025, when Copa América qualifying ramps up. McKennie has long been an automatic starter; regular Serie A minutes keep him sharp, but a summer tug-of-war could disrupt pre-season. Weah’s situation is more delicate: since his Lille days he has struggled for 90-minute rhythm, and Berhalter uses him as an impact sub. If a January move collapses and minutes remain scarce, the coach may have to re-evaluate wing depth behind Christian Pulisic.

Can Juventus reintegrate their Americans?

The answer depends on formations and finances. Tudor’s favoured 3-4-2-1 could easily accommodate McKennie as the advanced right midfielder, a role he filled under Andrea Pirlo. Weah, meanwhile, thrives wide in a front three; if Chiesa departs—as rumoured—Juventus might pivot to a 4-3-3 that suddenly requires genuine wingers. Until the transfer window closes, both Americans live in strategic limbo.

Numbers tell a mixed tale

• McKennie at CWC: 222 minutes, 14 recoveries, 86% pass accuracy, zero shots.
• Weah at CWC: 45 minutes, one key pass, two successful dribbles.
• Juventus total goals in tournament: three (none scored or assisted by either American).

Opinion: a bruise, not a break

Four quiet minutes do not erase two excellent Serie A seasons. McKennie remains a heartbeat player whose versatility managers crave, and Juventus know it. Weah’s predicament feels more precarious, but a well-chosen move could unlock the dynamism U.S. fans glimpse in flashes. This Club World Cup exit stings, yet it should be filed as a tactical blip rather than a career warning light. Expect both Americans to answer loudly once their futures clear—whether that is in Turin, Nottingham, or somewhere still off the radar.