.jpg)
Juventus Signs Manuel Locatelli to Boost Midfield
.jpg)
Juventus has announced the signing of Italian midfielder Manuel Locatelli from Sassuolo on a permanent deal. The 23-year-old has signed a five-year contract with the club, with Juventus paying a reported €35 million plus add-ons for his services.
Locatelli had been one of the most sought-after players in Serie A after an impressive season with Sassuolo, where he scored four goals and provided three assists in 34 appearances. He was also a key part of Italy's Euro 2020 winning squad, where he scored two goals in the tournament.
The signing of Locatelli is a major coup for Juventus, who have been looking to strengthen their midfield in recent seasons. The team has struggled to replace the likes of Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal in the center of the park, and Locatelli is seen as a player who can provide both creativity and defensive solidity.
The Italian midfielder is expected to form a strong partnership with fellow midfielders Rodrigo Bentancur and Weston McKennie, who have both shown flashes of brilliance but have also been inconsistent at times.
Locatelli's signing is also a sign of Juventus' commitment to building a younger, more dynamic squad. The team has been criticized in recent years for relying too heavily on older players such as Ronaldo and Bonucci, and the signing of Locatelli is a step towards building for the future.
Overall, Juventus fans will be excited by the signing of Locatelli and the potential he brings to the team. With a talented squad and an experienced manager in Massimiliano Allegri, the team will be looking to challenge for titles both domestically and in Europe in the coming seasons.