Doubts persist over the deal for the French player with PSG, while negotiations with Leipzig are intensifying. Nico Gonzalez`s move to Atletico Madrid frees up the Kosovan from Lille, with medicals scheduled for today.
As the transfer window draws to a close, Juventus is making a significant splash, concluding a previously quiet summer with two attacking reinforcements and a notable surprise. Barring any last-minute reversals, Randal Kolo Muani will not be the additional forward for the Bianconeri. Instead, the focus has shifted to Lois Openda, the Belgian second striker from RB Leipzig. Openda previously faced Juventus in the last Champions League, as did Edon Zhegrova, the other last-minute acquisition from Lille. Juventus also hopes to secure one final piece for their midfield, aiming to bring in Jonathan Clauss from Nice on loan.
Italy in His Destiny
Zhegrova`s journey to Italy began when he was just a boy. At 12, the talented Kosovan was scouted by AC Milan during a camp, leading to an invitation to visit San Siro and attend a match. Thirteen years later, he embarked on a flight to Turin, poised to fulfill a dream: to play in Serie A and wear the Juventus jersey. All that remains is his signature on a three-year contract with the “Old Lady,” which will follow his routine medical examinations this morning. This incoming operation was cleared following the “white smoke” from Madrid, signifying Nico Gonzalez`s transfer to Atletico Madrid (a loan with an option to buy, totaling 33 million euros).
Last-Minute Deal
Zhegrova is a dribbling specialist, combining technique, pace, precise assists, and a dangerous presence in the penalty area. Juventus` pursuit began some time ago (he was already admired by Cristiano Giuntoli), but the deal only materialized in recent weeks. The winger, whose contract was set to expire in 2026, declined to renew and immediately agreed to join Juventus, who offered him a salary of 2.5 million euros per season. Convincing Lille proved more challenging, as they initially wanted to keep him, but eventually relented to an offer around 15 million euros.
Openda Overtakes
Nico departs after just one year, similar to Douglas Luiz. The Bianconeri are securing their third major summer signing (following David and Joao Mario) and are now focused on finalizing the Openda deal, after a dramatic late overtake of Kolo Muani. Negotiations for the French forward, which began in spring, extended until the very last day. There were reports of PSG being open to a costly loan (10 million euros) with a 50-million-euro option to buy, but Juventus took their time and then shifted focus due to the operation`s high cost, including Kolo Muani`s requested 8 million euro salary. Therefore, technical and economic assessments led them to favor the Belgian, who is younger (25), commands a lower salary, and is equally versatile. A contract of 4 million euros per year is prepared for him, with his transfer fee estimated around 50 million euros. Juventus` transfer activity might not be over yet: Tudor also desires a right-back, and Juventus has re-established contact for Jonathan Clauss from Nice, whom the Croatian coach previously managed at Marseille.
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