McKennie Signs Till 2030 as Spalletti's Juve Hotshot – Yildiz Strikes Early vs Crisis-Hit Sassuolo!
Weston McKennie has signed a new Juventus deal until 2030 amid his best form under Luciano Spalletti, who even deployed him as striker. Ahead of the Sassuolo clash, Spalletti warned against complacency despite their whooping cough crisis, praising Jeremie Boga's central role and welcoming back Dusan Vlahovic. Kenan Yildiz fired Juve 1-0 up early, capping a turnaround with recent draws and wins.
McKennie Pens Mega Deal: Juventus' American Ace Commits Long-Term
If you're a Juventus fan nursing a pint, raise a glass to Weston McKennie. The USMNT midfielder has inked a new contract keeping him in Turin until 2030, fending off snoops from Italy, Spain, the US, and England. Sources whisper it's a cool $7m a year after tax – a solid four-year guarantee, no funny business with options.
At 27, McKennie's become Luciano Spalletti's go-to bloke since the gaffer arrived in October. Versatile as a Swiss Army knife, he's even lined up top as a striker lately. Blimey, eight goals already – more than anyone else in the squad. Juve's statement gushed he's a 'powerful tool' on both flanks, winning fans' hearts with his graft.
He's clocked 220 appearances since joining in 2020, bagging 26 goals and 26 assists. This season alone, 38 outings, eight strikes, seven assists. Full 90 against Roma in that mad 3-3 draw? Tick. As ESPN's Tom Hamilton and Jeff Carlisle noted, it's a reward for his daily grind.
Spalletti's Cautious Ahead of Sassuolo Scrap – No Arrogance Allowed
Speaking of the boss, Spalletti is all business ahead of tonight's Allianz Stadium clash with Sassuolo (19:45 GMT). The Neroverdi are in a right pickle – whooping cough ripping through the camp. One confirmed case, four isolated (think Matic, Thorstvedt, and chums, though names are hush-hush). Add injuries to Candé, Fadera, Boloca, and Pieragnolo, and it's slim pickings.
But Spalletti, ever the wise head, won't have it. 'Don't get arrogant,' he warned on Sky Sport Italia, recalling Napoli's Covid scrapes. 'Thirteen players drew us – these lot could fire up extra.' Fair play, he's trusting the depth. Recent form? 3-3 Roma thriller, wins over Pisa and Udinese have Juve sniffing Champions League spots again.
Tactics tweak to 4-3-3 is gold. Jeremie Boga starting up top – not left wing as scouts said. 'Give him 10 metres, he's lethal,' Spalletti grinned. Scored four against Pisa, the cheeky sod. Dusan Vlahovic back on the bench post-thigh nightmare (out since November), alongside Milik. Four strikers in reserve? Luxury problems.
As Susy Campanale reports for Football Italia, Spalletti's milking Boga's pace and tech against centre-backs. Jonathan David benched for now. Vlahovic's future? Contract ticks down to June 30 – watch this space.
Yildiz Lights It Up: 1-0 Juve at the Break vs Shaky Sassuolo
Hold the phone – it's 1-0 Juventus midway through the first half, courtesy of breakout star Kenan Yildiz. The 20-year-old Turk timed a peach of a run, smashing a first-time rocket into the bottom corner after 15 minutes. He's been Juve's standout this 2025/26 campaign, looking the dog's bollocks week in, week out.
Sassuolo hanging tough despite the chaos, but Yildiz's magic has the Bianconeri purring. Spalletti's revolution – McKennie's goals, Boga's experiments, Yildiz's flair – it's got Turin buzzing. USMNT lads like McKennie thriving? That's a World Cup boost too. Cheers to that, eh?
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