Aston Villa’s Swap Deal with Juventus Hits a Snag

Aston Villa’s proposed swap deal with Juventus has hit a snag, and it’s all because of Weston McKennie. The American midfielder was supposed to be part of the deal that would see Douglas Luiz move to the Italian giants. However, the two parties couldn’t agree on the terms, and now the deal is off.

McKennie’s Rise to Prominence

McKennie joined Juventus in 2021 for around $23 million. Initially, he took time to adapt to his new surroundings, but eventually, he found his footing. He was sent on loan to Leeds during the 2022/23 campaign, but after a successful stint, he returned to Juventus ahead of the 2023/24 season.

Aston Villa’s loss is Juventus’ gain

The American midfielder played a key part in Juventus’ relatively successful season, featuring in 34 total Serie A games and starting 29 times. Despite his impressive performance, McKennie looks set to depart Juventus this summer.

The Swap Deal That Never Was

The proposed swap deal between Aston Villa and Juventus would have seen Douglas Luiz move to the Italian giants, with McKennie and other players moving in the opposite direction. However, the deal has now fallen through due to the Premier League side’s inability to negotiate successfully with the American.

Enzo Barrenechea has replaced McKennie in the potential deal, which means Juventus will likely have to include more money in the deal to entice Aston Villa. The Argentine midfielder recently spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan at fellow Italian side Frosinone.

Aston Villa’s Busy Transfer Window

Assuming the deal finally goes through, Aston Villa will have a hectic few weeks early in the transfer window. The West Midlands side is facing potential issues with profit and sustainability rules (PSR), which is why they’re attempting to make several moves before the financial year ends on June 30th.

Along with possibly offloading Luiz, they have also sanctioned the sale of England youth international Tim Iroegbunam to Everton for around $11 million. Chelsea is currently negotiating with Villa brass for star striker Jhon Duran, but the Villans are remaining firm on their $50 valuation for the Colombian international star.

Aston Villa’s new signing

The Villans have seemingly struck a deal with Chelsea for Ian Maatsen, with the defender moving to the Midlands for a fee of around $47 million. The deal could very well work in Chelsea’s favor in their negotiations for Duran.

In conclusion, Aston Villa’s swap deal with Juventus has hit a snag due to Weston McKennie’s departure. The Villans will now have to regroup and reassess their transfer strategy as they face potential PSR violations.