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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Motta hails McKennie</li><li>USMNT star linked with move all summer</li><li>Juventus open season Monday</li></ul>

'Weston McKennie is useful' - Juventus boss Thiago Motta backs USMNT star to stay after multiple transfer rumors

Juventus' Weston McKennie was told a few weeks ago to <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/weston-mckennie-not-in-thiago-motta-juventus-plans-next-season-summer-transfer-inevitable-usmnt-star-premier-league-mls-links/bltf70529c235cf6722" target="_self">find a new club</a>. In an ironic change of fate, the American could play a role when the club opens its season against Como Monday.McKennie, whose contract runs out at the end of the season, has been linked with moves away from Turin all season - especially after he was left out of Juventus' preseason plans. Under new head coach Thiago Motta, the club looked set to move on from both McKennie and winger Federico Chiesa, as both were excluded from the squad this summer.<a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/weston-mckennie-juventus-stay/bltf9aee8da7dddcbf7" target="_blank">McKennie's status has seemingly changed</a>, though, as Motta indicated that he could play a role in Monday's Serie A opener against Como.

WHAT HAPPENED?

"First of all, McKennie is a useful and functional player for our needs," Motta said at a news conference. "Tomorrow we have 19 players to face the game, only 11 can play. I have the possibility to make five substitutions, no more."We are in good shape, had good preparation, good training this week, with intensity, everything we want to see, and ready to face tomorrow's game."

WHAT MOTTA SAID

This marks the second consecutive season in which McKennie has had to fight for his place. After a tough loan spell at Leeds, McKennie returned to Juventus ahead of the 2023-24 season to find his <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/weston-mckennie-usmnt-gregg-berhalter-juventus/bltce272e74c0602090" target="_self">parking spot and locker gone</a>, symbolizing the fight he'd be facing to get back into the team.He ultimately did, proving one of Juventus' best players last season. After initially backing up USMNT teammate Timothy Weah at left-wingback, McKennie then seized the starting role before ultimately locking down his place in midfield as the season went on. In total, he made 38 appearances for Juventus in all competitions, tying a career-high in assists with seven.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

McKennie and Juventus are set to open their season on Monday against Como. McKennie and Weah will also have one eye on upcoming USMNT duty, with the U.S. set to face Canada and New Zealand in September friendlies.

WHAT NEXT FOR JUVENTUS?

'Weston McKennie is useful' - Juventus boss Thiago Motta backs USMNT star to stay after multiple transfer rumors | Goal.com

Thiago Motta has hinted that Weston McKennie could stay at Juventus as he hailed the American as a &quot;useful&quot; player ahead of their Serie A opener.