Atalanta have confirmed the permanent signing of Juventus centre-back Merih Demiral after his loan spell with the club. He has made 42 appearances for Atalanta across all competitions on loan, and will now become a permanent member of the squad.

The decision is rather surprising, considering that there were reports that the loan deal would not be made permanent. But the club has revealed their decision is contrary to initial reports, and that he will sign a long-term contract with them.

Merih Demiral to join Atalanta permanently

Confirmed. Atalanta now sign Merih Demiral on a permanent deal from Juventus by triggering buy option for €20m after one-year loan spell. 🔵🇹🇷 #transfers

Atalanta will confirm with an official statement soon. https://t.co/4yyVMP2aZF
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 17, 2022

“Atalanta BC announces that it has exercised the option right for the acquisition of the player Merih Demiral from Juventus. The Turkish national defender then moved to the Nerazzurri outright,” the club revealed on their official website.

La Dea will be paying a sum worth €20 million to sign the 24-year-old from Juventus. This is quite similar to the strategy they used for Cristian Romero one year ago, with the Argentinian eventually moving on to Tottenham after being named the Serie A defender of the year.

But, whether or not the club will sell the Turkish defender this summer itself like they did for Romero is something that remains to be seen. Clubs across Europe are keeping tabs on the player, and could swoop in if there is a reasonable price tag despite the permanent signing.

Juventus now have a small cash injection which would allow them to pursue a young defender who could make up the numbers with the departure of Giorgio Chiellini.