Juventus really wanted Weston McKennie gone last summer. History may be repeating itself.

Weston McKennie has candidly shared his experiences of feeling like an outsider at Juventus last summer, detailing the club’s treatment of him following his return from a loan spell at Leeds. The U.S. national team midfielder faced a tough period at Elland Road during the latter half of the 2022-23 season and came back to Turin only to find himself marginalized.

Initially, Juventus seemed eager to offload McKennie, but the midfielder defied expectations by forcing his way back into former manager Max Allegri’s plans, eventually becoming a key player for the Bianconeri in the 2023-24 season. Despite this, McKennie expressed his frustration in an interview with The Athletic, recalling the harsh reception he received upon his return.

McKennie recounted the challenges he faced, noting the extent of the club’s cold shoulder. “I knew it would be difficult, but I didn’t expect to be without a locker, a room in the hotel, or a parking space,” he said, echoing sentiments shared by USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter in March. He was relegated to changing rooms with the academy players, while others who had never played a game for Juventus occupied the main locker room. “I was only gone for six months, and this is how I’m treated,” McKennie remarked. He even struggled to reclaim his shirt number 14, despite it being unoccupied, and resolved to prove his worth on the field in response to the club’s treatment.

Despite McKennie’s contributions last season, Juventus appears ready to part ways with him again this summer. With his contract set to expire at the end of the upcoming season and extension talks at a standstill, the club seems poised to sell. Rumors of a move to Aston Villa as part of a swap deal surfaced, but the transfer fell through due to disagreements with the Premier League side.

This situation leaves McKennie in a precarious position at Juventus, with new manager Thiago Motta reportedly excluding him from his plans. According to Tuttosport, Motta is starting his tenure without considering McKennie, suggesting the midfielder might soon be seeking a new club. For McKennie, the challenge of proving himself anew is a familiar one.