Juventus consider new contract for reborn defender Pierre Kalulu
Juventus are reportedly considering a contract extension for defender Pierre Kalulu, whose form has been revitalised under manager Luciano Spalletti. According to reports from Italy, the club's hierarchy is contemplating rewarding the Frenchman's performances with an improved deal, despite his current contract running until 2029. The potential new agreement would extend his stay by an additional year and include a salary increase from his current earnings of 2.4 million euros per season.
Kalulu arrived at Juventus from AC Milan in 2024, with the transfer involving an initial loan with an obligation to buy, a deal that ultimately brought the Rossoneri a fee of nearly 20 million euros. Milan had originally signed the player from Lyon for a compensation fee of just 480,000 euros, meaning his eventual sale represented significant capital gain for the club. His departure from San Siro, however, has taken on a different complexion given his subsequent resurgence in Turin.
The 24-year-old has become an indispensable figure for Spalletti, featuring in almost every available match this season. His tactical flexibility has been key, as he has been deployed as a right-sided centre-back in a back three, a right wing-back, a central defender in a back four, and even as a conventional right-back. This adaptability echoes his breakout period at Milan under Stefano Pioli, where he formed a formidable partnership with Fikayo Tomori during the club's 2022 Serie A title-winning campaign.
After that peak, Kalulu's performances dipped, leading Milan to sanction his sale to their rivals. His move to Juventus has seen him return to his best level, becoming a trusted lieutenant for Spalletti both on the pitch and in the dressing room. His offensive contributions have also improved markedly under the Italian coach, with Kalulu registering six assists across Serie A and the Champions League and scoring two league goals this campaign.
The defender's revival means he is poised to face his former club, AC Milan, at San Siro this weekend, a fixture that now carries a hint of regret for the Rossoneri. His consistent excellence for Juventus has made the initial transfer fee appear increasingly astute business for the Bianconeri. For Juventus, securing Kalulu's long-term future would solidify a defensive cornerstone for Spalletti's ongoing project, while for the player, it would represent formal recognition of his central role in the team's structure.
