The transfer market also lives on quarrels and twists. For weeks, industry experts considered Zeki Celik’s contract renewal with Roma a done deal, but instead, the Turkish full-back signed with Juventus. A free transfer for the Old Lady, useful to extend the defensive department available to coach Luciano Spalletti, also a result of old grudges between Ricky Massara, the new Juventus market man, and the Roma environment (there is talk, in particular, of a stormy relationship between the executive and Gian Piero Gasperini, Roma’s coach). Juventus would be planning to “plunder” Roma, since, like Celik, the Juventus leadership would also be negotiating with Lorenzo Pellegrini, a midfielder currently unattached (after the end of his contract with Roma), but verbally agreeing on a new deal with the Giallorossi. A situation that would have infuriated Gasperini, long convinced of getting a yes from both players. It remains to be seen if the midfielder will also arrive at Juventus, but for now, Spalletti must settle for the full-back: “Celik is a player with character and reliable. Signing him was a good idea,” the coach himself commented. Words from Spalletti during the first press conference of the new season.
Read more As exaggerated: Cuenca plus Chalobah | Libero Quotidiano.it
An important appointment to take stock of the situation and define the goals of the new season, after the failure of the last championship (which ended in sixth place). “Last year we did not achieve the result, but it was not a bad championship. We need to improve at certain moments, always have the same level of performance and the same quality. This year we are convinced that we can compete to reach the Champions League. Scudetto? We are far,” Spalletti commented.
Read more Roggero, Count: «Scavenging, legitimate defense has nothing to do with it» | Libero Quotidiano.it
PAST
In Turin, in any case, they expect a different style of play, more proactive than in the past. But also more personality from the players, who often appeared scared in the most important moments of the season. Today, meanwhile, there could be some news in the first summer friendly, at 3:30 pm at Basel’s home (broadcast on Sky and Dazn). Much of the Old Lady’s aspirations inevitably pass through the market. Having mentioned Celik and Pellegrini, the Juventus priorities are the goalkeeper and the striker. Between the posts, the big target is Dibu Martinez, Aston Villa’s goalkeeper. To know the outcome of the negotiation, however, one must wait for tomorrow’s World Cup final, with Martinez determined to win his second consecutive world title with Argentina. Regarding the attack, Juventus wants to buy two forwards. The favorite is Randal Kolo Muani, but Paris Saint-Germain must lower the asking price, currently around 45 million. The deal closest to completion is that for Mateo Pellegrino, considered a valuable profile (Pellegrino’s arrival would not exclude that of Kolo Muani). In recent hours, there have been positive contacts with Parma and the player would be enthusiastic about the transfer. Possible reopening with Dusan Vlahovic, still unattached after the expiration of his contract with Juventus. “He knows what I think of him. The doors are open, just ring the bell,” explains Spalletti. Regarding departures, Openda has admirers in the Premier League and Ligue 1, as does Kehphren Thuram. In case of the French midfielder’s sale, attention to Frattesi, on the fringes of Inter and appreciated by Juventus CEO Giovanni Carnevali. Also on the market are Mattia Perin and Federico Gatti, while in recent hours Galatasaray has come forward for Gleison Bremer, but it is complicated for the Juventus defender to accept the destination.
