Turin: Juventus have announced the signing of Italian midfielder Manuel Locatelli on a two-year loan deal from Serie A side Sassuolo, the club announced on Wednesday. The 23 -year-old was one of Italy’s standout performers in their title-winning Euro 2020 campaign.
As per reports, the deal is worth 37.5m euros including add-ons with an option to buy at the end of the 2022-23 season. A central midfielder by trait, Locatelli started his career with AC Milan in 2016 before moving to Sassuolo a year later.
With the ‘Neroverdi’ he quickly established himself as one of the best midfielders in the league appearing 34 times last season in all competitions. “In addition to his goals, Manuel is an absolute quality and security in midfield, bringing a level of class that few have,” Juventus said in a statement.
𝘈𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘓𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪? ➡️ 🤲
✍️ https://t.co/Ijw91pHjIS
#LocatelliAnnounced pic.twitter.com/AJT368qvJx— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) August 18, 2021
“The giant steps he has made in the top flight, after a period at Atalanta and Milan’s youth teams, only confirms this.” Locatelli thus reunites with his Euro 2020 mates Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini, Federico Chiesa and Federico Bernardeschi.
Juventus, who were aiming at 10th consecutive Serie A title last season, were dethroned by champions Inter Milan and the ‘Bianconeri’ are looking to improve their quality of the squad ahead of the upcoming season especially in the midfield.
The returning manager Massimiliano Allegri is also hopeful about his side’s abilities to challenge for the title this season and reacted quickly after his appointment to grab the signature of a young and energetic prospect.
