Manuel Locatelli has been one of the most consistent Juventus players this season, and he was stellar again in the narrow victory over Lazio in the Coppa Italia’s Round of Eight Thursday. Coach Massimiliano Allegri complimented the midfielder afterward (via TuttoSport).
“He had a great game, not only from the technical standpoint, but also from the human one. For his mentality and heart, he’s becoming exemplary for everybody in the way he approaches matches. He never gives up and has the clubs’ DNA in him. Federico Chiesa had a good return, while Dusan Vlahovic did some things well and others poorly. I liked Juan Cuadrado’s performance.”
Per Calciomercato, Juventus formally completed the acquisition of Locatelli in January, as he had joined on an initial loan. His first appearance in 2023 triggered the €25M obligation to buy. The package comprises €12.5M add-ons.
Since the purchase is now final, the Bianconeri can open talks to extend his contract, which is currently set to expire in 2024. The parties are preparing a new deal until 2026, raising his salary to €3M per year. The Italian staple doesn’t lack suitors, especially in the Premier League. Both he and the club rebuffed offers last summer as they plan to stick together.
Our Take on Locatelli
It took him a while to return to the levels he showed at Sassuolo, and the tactical confusion of the Bianconeri didn’t help, but he was indispensable and tremendously precious during their winning streak to close 2022. He would fare even better if he could star as box-to-box, as he does brilliantly with the Azzurri, but Leandro Paredes struggling doesn’t make it possible.
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