Having been a stalwart for a poor FC Schalke 04 side, few would have expected Weston McKennie to leave for a club like Juventus. His work was often the ‘dirty’ side of the game in Gelsenkirchen, and Schalke’s downfall led to McKennie becoming an increasingly vital part of their team. However, the American was sold to Juventus and impressed hugely in his first season on Serie A. With Juve keen to raise funds to further balance the squad, some believe they could trade the young American this summer. Tottenham are now seen as a potential destination as they look to revamp their own team.
A powerful runner and a solid presence in the goals column, McKennie has many admirers across Europe and in England. However, the fact that Juve want to purchase wantaway Spurs midfield Tanguy Ndombele could make this deal one that works for both parties. Spurs are keen to move on from a player who has never been consistent enough in the English game. They would like to trade him for a more durable option who can offer new coach Nuno Espirito Santo a reliable option in the middle of the park.
Therefore, could both teams find a way to see Ndombele go one way and then see McKennie go the other? It certainly feels more possible. Last summer, Juve committed to trading Miralem Pjanic for Arthur Melo, with the deal ensuring that both they and Barcelona got what they wanted. Could the Bianconeri find a way to land the same kind of deal this summer with Spurs?
Other options available for Ndombele
What is clear is that Spurs want rid of Ndombele, who has been a high-cost failure in the Spurs line-up. He has failed to build on anything like the form shown when in France, and is believed to be desperate to leave himself having never truly settled in North London. With a fee of around £50m tied to the player, though, getting teams to bite has proven a real challenge given his lack of form in England.
Another move that is open for Ndombele, though, is to make a move to AC Milan. The Rossoneri are believed to be keen to land the player, and would be happy to do a deal that would involve either a fee or a swap. Spurs, if they cannot land McKennie, might turn their attention to the more expensive Franck Kessie. The Ivory Coast international has been exceptional at times in Milan, and offers the kind of physical profile that would be perfect for English football.
If Spurs can find a way to convince Milan to do a deal for Kessie, they could use Ndombele in a similar situation. Kessie is also in a tight situation in terms of his contract, with a single year left on the deal. While Spurs could wait, a free agent Kessie would likely attract huge interest.
If a deal can be done Ndombele to go to Italy in exchange for McKennie or for Kessie, expect McKennie to explore it before the end of the transfer window.
Leave a Reply