Joao Mario is expected to join Fiorentina on loan from Juventus, according to reports in Italy. The Portuguese midfielder returned to Juventus this summer but does not figure in Luciano Spalletti’s plans for the upcoming season.
Juventus are reportedly seeking a physically stronger and more defensively reliable backup to their right-sided options, and have therefore given Joao Mario the green light to pursue a move elsewhere. Fiorentina, now under the management of Alberto Grosso, have emerged as the frontrunners for his signature.
While no official negotiations have yet begun between the two clubs, Fiorentina are working to agree personal terms with the player. Joao Mario has reportedly prioritized a move to the Viola, turning down approaches from Sassuolo and Bologna. It is anticipated that he will sign a one-year contract with Fiorentina worth just under €2 million.
Fiorentina are proposing a loan deal with an option to buy, which is expected to be around €8 million. The arrival of Alex Jimenez at the club will not preclude a move for Joao Mario, with both players expected to compete for a starting position. However, this move is contingent on Fiorentina successfully selling Dodo and Niccolò Fortini this summer.
Juventus are also fielding inquiries for Vasilije Adzic, with Genoa and Cagliari both expressing interest in the Montenegrin forward. Genoa’s sporting director, Pisacane, is particularly keen on bringing Adzic to the club and offering him playing time in the attacking midfield role. The situation with other players deemed surplus to requirements at Juventus will depend on the club formalizing player sales, either permanently or on loan, in the coming weeks.
