It’s silly season, and transfer rumors are flying, as usual. Usually player swap deals are the least likely to happen, and are the most easily dismissed. In this case, however, it looks like there might actually be one in the works. On June 3, Gianluca Di Marzio of Sky Sport reported that Juventus and Aston Villa were considering swapping midfielders Douglas Luiz and Weston McKennie.
Yesterday, Fabrizio Romano picked up the news, saying that talks were ongoing, and mentioning Samuel Iling Jr. of Juventus, as well.
⚪️⚫️ Juventus and Aston Villa, set to talk again about Douglas Luiz in the next days.
The only way to make deal happen is by including players to join #AVFC or… no chance.
↪️ Understand Samuel Iling Jr has been discussed as an option — as well as Weston McKennie. pic.twitter.com/HeJKJyZCQS
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 10, 2024
This morning, Romano gave a further update, saying a final agreement between the clubs is “more than close,” and that players are now discussing personal contract terms.
⚫️⚪️ Juventus manager Thiago Motta has given green light to Douglas Luiz swap deal.
Juventus and Aston Villa are more than close to final agreement!
Weston McKennie, Samuel Iling Jr. and €20m fee to #AVFC as revealed.
↪️ Personal terms for all players, now discussed. pic.twitter.com/vFqxtZggo8
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 11, 2024
Aston Villa’s manager Unai Emery led them to a 4th-place finish in the Premier League season in 2023-24, qualifying them for the UEFA Champions League. The squad boasts players like England international forward Ollie Watkins, World Cup winning goalkeeper Emi Martínez, winger Moussa Diaby, defender Pau Torres, and fellow Concacaf winger Leon Bailey of Jamaica.
If the move was to go through, McKennie would be in immediate competition for starting time with Villa’s current midfielders, Boubacar Kamara, John McGinn, and Youri Tielemans.
How would you feel about this move for McKennie? Hit the comments to discuss.
