Juventus speeds up ahead of Inter and closes January deal: introducing central defender Tiago Djalò

09.01.2024 12:28 of  TransferMarketWeb Press   see readings
Juventus speeds up ahead of Inter and closes January deal: introducing central defender Tiago Djalò
TRANSFERmarketWEB.com

Everyone expected a midfielder, but the first moves in Juventus' winter transfer window all concern the defensive department. After saying farewell to Dean Huijsen, who joined AS Roma on loan, Juventus has decided to move. The transfer is sealed, as Tiago Djalò is set to switch from Lille to Juventus.

Surpassing FC Inter and January deal done.
Cristiano Giuntoli and his team studied, observed, weaved the web, and then definitively landed the deal: Tiago Djalò, Portuguese central defender born in 2000, is on the verge of becoming a new Juventus player. The former AC Milan player (moved to Lille as part of the operation that brought Rafael Leão to the Rossoneri) has accepted the courtship of Juventus, surpassing rivals Inter, who were interested in signing the defender on a free transfer from next July. Juventus had a different approach, deciding to offer a fixed amount of 3 million plus the same amount in bonuses, along with 10% of any future resale, to bring Djalò back to Italy immediately and snatch him from the competition.

The 2000-born player will be Alex Sandro's successor. For Juventus, the deal for the Portuguese central defender has all the hallmarks of a market opportunity for the present and, above all, for the future. Tiago Djalò will sign a four-and-a-half-year contract with the Bianconeri, aiming to use the next few years to acclimate to the Italian league without the pressure of quickly securing a starting position. Juventus intends to keep him in Turin to manage his return to the field after the knee injury (ruptured cruciate ligament) suffered last March. The plan is for him to gradually increase playing time, eventually taking over from Alex Sandro, who is set to leave Juventus in June when his contract expires, securing a starting role in the Bianconeri's defense.