Where Will Weston McKennie Land? Ranking His Most Likely MLS Destinations
Weston McKennie, among the top American talents competing in European football, faces a pivotal moment in his professional journey as his deal with Serie A powerhouse Juventus concludes following the 2025–26 campaign.
The 27-year-old Washington, D.C. native is poised to enter the free agent market next summer, with recent reports indicating Juventus won't extend his stay despite his enhanced responsibilities under coach Luciano Spalletti.
Having accumulated more than 200 matches for the Old Lady and expected to feature prominently for the United States national squad during the 2026 World Cup hosted domestically, clubs worldwide will pursue his signature—but might an MLS franchise entice him at this career juncture?
Certainly, American organizations will make their pitch. Some have already tried, with earlier reports indicating FC Cincinnati pursued him in 2024 but couldn't satisfy his salary expectations.
Here, Sports Illustrated examines three MLS clubs that might compete for McKennie's services.
3. Sporting Kansas City
McKennie presents a more attainable target than Cristiano Ronaldo, and Sporting Kansas City allegedly submitted a substantial proposal in 2023 for the Portuguese icon before his move to Al-Nassr. Therefore, SKC should contend for McKennie following his 2026 World Cup participation.
Following their separation from longtime coach Peter Vermes during the 2025 season and roster reduction after an underwhelming year, SKC enters a fresh chapter. They operate under new leadership with recently appointed president of soccer operations and general manager David Lee, who previously captured the MLS Cup with New York City FC.
Given SKC's current squad composition and projected outlook through 2026, an opportunity exists to reconstruct the franchise via a marquee acquisition. By landing a player as adaptable as McKennie, they could efficiently address multiple positions while utilizing the USMNT midfielder wherever needed most.
Previously, the MLS Allocation Order and preference for stars joining prominent markets would have hindered SKC's chances of securing a player of McKennie's caliber. However, fewer obstacles now exist to presenting an appealing destination in the league's fourth decade.
2. FC Cincinnati
After allegedly proposing up to $15 million in 2024, FC Cincinnati demonstrated serious interest in acquiring McKennie previously. Since then, the midfielder has evolved into a more flexible role at Juventus and reached an age where MLS becomes increasingly viable.
Should Cincinnati revisit their pursuit? Definitely. They require another difference-making talent following struggles in crucial playoff moments recently, including a disappointing defeat to Inter Miami in the 2025 Eastern Conference semifinal.
While Evander will anchor their attacking midfield through at least the abbreviated 2027 MLS season, incorporating McKennie could facilitate both succession planning beyond Evander and immediate roster enhancement for their near-championship-level squad.
FC Cincinnati would need adjustments to accommodate this signing, as they likely carry three Designated Players in 2026: Evander, Kévin Denkey, and Miles Robinson's new deal making him the league's top-paid defender. Nevertheless, solutions likely exist in collaboration with the league should McKennie choose Cincinnati.
1. Chicago Fire FC
Chicago Fire FC seeks a high-profile superstar and possesses midfield openings.
After unsuccessful pursuits of Kevin De Bruyne and Neymar, might they successfully court McKennie? Their financial capacity and major American market status should provide strong positioning.
Currently featuring an attacking trio of Hugo Cuypers, Jonathan Bamba, and Philip Zinckernagel, the Fire would likely utilize McKennie as a flexible midfield asset capable of catalyzing transitions, whether operating as an attacking midfielder or wide player.
Additionally, their manager and soccer director Gregg Berhalter maintains an established connection with the player, having coached him extensively with the USMNT before joining the Fire in 2024.
Following their first playoff appearance since 2017 in 2025, a major signing appears imminent for this founding MLS franchise, with securing such a star for their new stadium's 2028 debut representing an appealing prospect.