Juventus have signed Manuel Locatelli from Sassuolo in a deal that could rise up to €37.5m in total.
Last season wasn't a stellar one for the Italian giants, and they were quick to put their house in order ahead of the new season. The Bianconeri had a poor season by their own standards. They saw their nine-year stranglehold on the Serie A broken, and they just managed to win the Coppa Italia.
The effect of the poor season was felt down the hallowed halls of the new Juventus stadium as the Agnelli family wielded the big stick.
The first to go was Andrea Pirlo, replaced by former manager Massimiliano Allegri.
Locatelli signs for Juventus
With the Old lady needing refreshing, it was clear that there would be new faces within the squad.
Euro 2020 churned out several stars, and one of them was Manuel Locatelli, who helped Italy win the Euros. He put on a brilliant performance at the Euros to serve notice to the world. Such were his displays that he was soon courted by clubs across Europe, most notably Arsenal. However, the young man only had eyes for Juventus.
The Bianconeri found it hard to break the ice with Sassuolo but have eventually agreed on terms for the services of the 23-year-old midfielder.
The deal that brings Locatelli to Turin is on an initial loan move. It will be followed up with a compulsory option to buy. The Italian international completed his medicals on Wednesday morning and signed a contract that will see him at the club till 2026.
The worth of the deal
The pandemic has seen many clubs looking for cheaper ways of doing business. Bar PSG, Manchester City and Chelsea, every other club has had to navigate through the mire of low finances.
In the pursuit of Locatelli, Juventus were able to get their man on an additional two-year loan through 2023. The club will not be required to pay a fee during this period.
Juventus will then be duty-bound to acquire the player for a €25m fee, which will spread over three years as explained in a document on the club's official website. The €25m fee is aside a maximum of €12.5m that could accumulate in bonuses provided Locatelli meets up to some special clauses.
For a young talent like Locatelli, Juventus have made a steal.
Locatelli is a deep-lying midfielder with a rich passing range akin to that of hisl Andrea Pirlo. He is very versatile and can play as a box-to-box midfielder. He is also quite adept in the 'Mezala' role or as an attacking midfielder.
By :
Steven D. Thompson
