Weston McKennie Told He Can “Make Any Team Better” After Juventus Revival

Former USMNT Star Urges Weston McKennie to Join Premier League Giants After Remarkable Juventus Comeback

Football careers rarely move in straight lines. For every surge of momentum, there is often a setback lurking just around the corner. Weston McKennie knows that better than most.

Three years ago, he walked off Elland Road with relegation confirmed, his brief Premier League chapter with Leeds ending in disappointment and doubt. Today, he finds himself revitalised at Juventus, once again central to a resurgent side in Turin — and being told that he can “make any team better.”

As the 2025-26 campaign approaches its climax, the conversation around McKennie’s future is intensifying. Free agency looms. A home World Cup beckons. And former United States international Tab Ramos believes the all-action midfielder is ready for a return to England — this time with one of the Premier League’s true heavyweights.

It promises to be a defining summer.

Free Agency and World Cup Finals: A Big Summer for Weston McKennie

As things stand, McKennie’s contract situation means he could be available without a transfer fee when the current campaign concludes. That reality alone is enough to spark serious interest across Europe.

At 27, he is entering what should be the prime years of his career. He brings over five seasons of Serie A experience, more than 200 appearances for Juventus, and a proven track record at international level with the USMNT.

This summer also carries added weight. The United States will co-host the World Cup, and under Mauricio Pochettino, McKennie is expected to play a pivotal role. His engine, versatility and big-game temperament make him a near-certainty in the manager’s plans.

It would not be surprising if McKennie delayed any final club decision until after the international tournament. A strong World Cup showing on home soil could elevate both his market value and his list of suitors.

Juventus, for their part, have not abandoned hope of securing fresh terms. But negotiations are rarely straightforward, especially when a player of McKennie’s profile begins to weigh his options openly.

Weston McKennie Juventus 2025

From Leeds Lows to Juventus Revival

McKennie’s time at Leeds United in 2023 remains a blemish on an otherwise upward trajectory. Brought in during a turbulent period, he struggled to impose himself as the club slid toward relegation.

The experience, by his own admission, marked “the lowest in my professional career.”

But adversity often sharpens perspective. Returning to Juventus, McKennie rebuilt both his form and his reputation. Written off by some as surplus to requirements at various points, he instead fought his way back into prominence.

Over the past months, his performances have been instrumental in Juventus’ recovery. Operating across multiple positions — from right-back to central midfield to advanced roles — he has embodied the modern utility player without sacrificing impact.

That resurgence has not gone unnoticed.

“He Can Play Anywhere” – Tab Ramos Makes His Case

Former USMNT midfielder Tab Ramos has been among the most vocal admirers of McKennie’s evolution.

Speaking in association with Ozoon, Ramos made a compelling argument for why Premier League giants should take notice.

“I have to tell you, Weston McKennie is a player that can play anywhere — in any position on the field,” Ramos said. “Look at what he has done for Juve the last couple of months. They have had him everywhere — from right-back to centre mid, attacking mid. He always ends up in the box and is always dangerous. He has always made a difference.”

It is high praise, but not unfounded. McKennie’s greatest strength may be his adaptability. He thrives in chaotic moments, arriving late into the penalty area, disrupting defensive structures, and providing unexpected solutions.

Ramos went further.

“To be fair, Juventus’ recovery is partly on the shoulders of Weston McKennie. He has been that good for them.”

Strong words — particularly when directed at a club of Juventus’ stature.

Premier League Giants Beckon?

Ramos did not shy away from the prospect of a Premier League return.

“Would I like to see him go to the EPL? Juventus is one of those great clubs all over the world. But I really think that Weston McKennie can make any team better. I would personally like to see him back in the EPL playing for a club that is fighting for titles.”

The phrasing matters. Not just any Premier League side — a club competing for silverware.

McKennie’s previous English stint may not have showcased his full potential, but context is critical. Leeds were in survival mode. Tactical cohesion was scarce. Confidence was fragile.

A move to a more stable, title-chasing environment could tell a very different story.

Brad Friedel Echoes the Sentiment

Ramos is not alone in his assessment. Former USMNT goalkeeper Brad Friedel has also spoken glowingly about McKennie’s raw ability.

“For me — going back quite some years now when I was the U19 head coach — Weston, talent-wise, was the best that came through my group,” Friedel said.

“After the first training session I said to my coaching staff: ‘Wow’. I had just come from Tottenham and done a lot of work in their academy. I was like: ‘He would be the best at Tottenham right now.’”

That comparison carries weight. Friedel’s experience within elite academies gives his evaluation credibility.

He also acknowledged McKennie’s personality — a player who “likes to play hard on and off the field.” But rather than criticism, it sounded more like admiration for a character capable of handling big-club pressure.

Why the Premier League Makes Sense

From a tactical perspective, McKennie’s profile suits the intensity of English football.

He covers ground relentlessly. He presses aggressively. He thrives in transitional phases. In systems that demand verticality and physical resilience, he feels naturally aligned.

Moreover, the Premier League’s evolving appreciation for versatile midfielders — players who can shuttle between defensive and attacking phases — increases his appeal.

Clubs fighting for European qualification or domestic titles often require depth that does not dilute quality. McKennie offers exactly that.

And crucially, he could arrive without a transfer fee.

Juventus’ Perspective

For Juventus, the dilemma is complex. Allowing a player of McKennie’s calibre to walk away for free would represent a financial loss. Yet contract negotiations hinge on wage structure, long-term planning and squad balance.

The club have invested five years in the American international. He has matured in Turin. He has absorbed the tactical discipline demanded by Serie A. He has become a leader within the dressing room.

But football is cyclical. Projects evolve. And sometimes, timing dictates change.

If 2026 becomes the moment for a new chapter, it will mark the end of a significant era for both player and club.

The World Cup Factor

A home World Cup adds narrative richness to the equation.

Performing on that stage — under global scrutiny and national expectation — can redefine careers. McKennie’s experience in Italy has prepared him for high-pressure environments. But representing the United States on home soil is a different emotional challenge altogether.

Should he deliver standout displays, the market will react swiftly.

For potential Premier League suitors, waiting until after the tournament may be prudent. For McKennie, it offers a platform to remind doubters what they may have overlooked during his Leeds chapter.

Weston McKennie Leeds 2022-23

A Second Bite at the Premier League Cherry

Football often offers second chances.

McKennie’s first Premier League taste ended in relegation and reflection. But players are not defined by their lowest moments — they are shaped by how they respond.

His Juventus revival suggests resilience. His versatility suggests growth. His ambition suggests unfinished business.

If a Premier League giant comes calling, it may represent not just a transfer — but redemption.

The Summer That Could Define Weston McKennie’s Career

Few players approach free agency with such layered intrigue: elite club pedigree, international prominence, positional flexibility and a point to prove.

Weston McKennie has navigated setbacks, rebuilt his standing and reasserted his value at one of Europe’s grandest institutions.

Now, with former USMNT stars insisting he can “make any team better,” the question is not whether he is capable of starring in the Premier League.

It is whether one of its giants is bold enough to bring him back.