Transfer Tracker

Report: Juventus eye young MLS quartet as they search for next Weston McKennie

Julian Araujo - LA Galaxy - action shot

TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS:Report


In addition to FC Dallas right back Bryan Reynolds, a report from Italian publication Tuttosport outlines that Juventus are looking at an additional three MLS youngsters as potential signings in their quest for another American talent like Weston McKennie: New York Red Bulls midfielder Caden Clark, LA Galaxy right back Julian Araujo and FC Dallas forward Ricardo Pepi.


While the Tuttosport report indicates that no move is imminent, Juventus appear to be scouting more MLS talent that could benefit their senior team. The Italian powerhouse club currently has McKennie (FC Dallas academy product) on loan from FC Schalke 04, with the United States midfielder's form contributing to him earning 2020 US Soccer Male Player of the Year honors.


The development comes after previous reports linked Reynolds to the 36-time Serie A champions. Then MLSsoccer.comā€™s Tom Bogert reported that FC Dallas have received a $9.2 million bid from AS Roma for the 19-year-old Homegrown prospect, whose growing European interest comes after he assumed a starting role in FCDā€™s backline when right Reggie Cannon was transferred to Portuguese side Boavista FC in early September


Clark, 17, burst onto the scene this past October upon signing a RBNY first-team deal. He scored three goals across eight appearances in the regular season and Audi 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs, joining as a versatile midfielder who impressed with New York Red Bulls II in the USL Championship.


Araujo, 19, is a dual-national right back who recently made his USMNT debut during a 6-0 December camp rout of El Salvador. Signed ahead of the 2019 season, Araujo has one goal and four assists in 35 appearances (27 starts) for the Galaxy. Also capable of playing outside midfield, Araujo developed in the LA Galaxy academy.


Pepi, 17, is a US youth international forward who led USL League One in goals before signing a Homegrown deal for the 2019 season. In 2020, he had three goals and one assist in 19 appearances (14 starts) across the regular season and playoffs.