The potential acquisition of the Portuguese midfielder for Tudor`s team puts McKennie`s contract renewal on hold. Benfica`s asking price is between 35 and 40 million euros, but the deal remains achievable.
Sometimes, an old idea is still a good one. The player Juventus might sign to strengthen their midfield could be someone previously considered. A few months ago, Florentino, Benfica`s 25-year-old midfielder, seemed close to a move to Juve, but the transfer stalled after key personnel changes. Now, his name is back in contention. Cristiano Giuntoli had previously reached a preliminary agreement with the player, but not with Benfica. Now, Comolli might look to reignite talks with a proposal that is also convincing for the Portuguese club. Juventus`s internal evaluations have favored a more defensive midfielder who can act as a shield in the middle of the park, allowing more players to push forward into attacking positions. The Portuguese player perfectly fits this profile, but reaching an agreement on the transfer fee is crucial.
How Much Does He Cost?
Benfica values the player highly, asking for around 35-40 million euros. However, they are open to discussions about the transfer formula and payment terms, which encourages continued negotiation. In recent weeks, Juve has been freeing up budget space through player sales and potentially reviewing player salaries. Comolli`s priority is to optimize spending more strategically, balancing the books and making financial commitments primarily for players who can make a significant difference. This strategic approach explains why the draft contract renewal for Weston McKennie has reportedly been paused; while the American is versatile, he isn`t considered a top-tier player, and the funds potentially allocated for his renewal could be redirected towards signing Florentino. Florentino currently earns 1.6 million euros per season; a move to Juventus would likely see his salary increase by about a million euros, bringing it close to McKennie`s current base wage before any potential raise.
Player Evaluation
With an imposing physical presence, skill in tackles, and excellent ball recovery, Florentino has distinguished himself in recent years for his determination and tactical intelligence. While he is not primarily a deep-lying playmaker (Juventus might look to address this need with another potential signing, perhaps linked to Douglas Luiz`s departure), he demonstrates good first-touch control. A natural right-footed player, he has been on the radar of Premier League clubs for a couple of years, showing clear potential to develop into a major player. Juventus could offer him a crucial intermediate step in his career progression. While not yet considered an elite European player in his position, he certainly possesses the qualities to reach that level. The idea of signing him is reportedly gaining strong momentum at the Continassa training ground, as the player`s profile perfectly matches the requirements for the Juventus midfield to make a significant qualitative leap. While final valuations are still being assessed, it`s highly probable that contacts will soon be re-established to enter into serious negotiations for a potential deal.
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