Juventus have confirmed the signing of Manuel Locatelli of Sassuolo after months of meetings, negotiations and rejections involved between the two parties. 

Interestingly, Locatelli has been signed on a two-year loan deal where the player will earn €3 million per season. Once June 2023 comes around, the Bianconeri will have to buy the midfielder for €25 million. With bonuses and other clauses in the contract, the total signing amount could rise to €37.5 million. The player has signed a total contract of five years, with the first two years being on a loan. 

Locatelli was the number one target for Juventus this summer, and was highlighted by the club as well. The CEO of Sassuolo also publicly stated that the midfielder had his eyes set on a move to Turin this summer, and that Juventus were in talks with them for a transfer. However, several meetings took place between the two parties before a deal was agreed upon. 

Interestingly, Juventus announced in their official website statement that Locatelli has been signed in a ‘free temporary acquisition’. 

The midfielder will wear the number 27 jersey at Juventus, and is expected to be a key figure in the heart of the park alongside Adrien Rabiot and Weston McKennie. Locatelli was part of the Italy squad that won the Euro 2020, and made several appearances under Roberto Mancini as the Azzurri won the tournament. 

However, it is his regular performances for his former club that truly caught the attention of the Bianconeri and made him their priority for this summer.