Juventus to make Boga's loan permanent, McKennie return bolsters Spalletti
Juventus are set to trigger their option to sign Jeremie Boga permanently from OGC Nice, according to reports from Italy. The 26-year-old Ivorian winger is currently on a loan-to-buy deal at the Allianz Stadium, with the Bianconeri now expected to exercise the purchase option, believed to be in the region of 15 million euros. The move would see Boga, who has made 12 appearances for the club this season, commit his long-term future to the Turin club.
The potential permanent move for Boga comes as Juventus prepare to welcome Weston McKennie back from suspension. The USMNT international, a key component in Luciano Spalletti's system, returns from a one-match ban and is expected to slot straight back into the starting lineup for the crucial Serie A clash with Bologna. Spalletti’s side currently sits in third place, and the manager has described McKennie as "indispensable" to his tactical setup this season. The American has contributed nine goals and seven assists in 42 appearances across all competitions this season, operating in various roles from wing-back to trequartista.
Jeremie Boga, who joined Juventus on an initial loan in January, has been a key figure in their recent form. The former Atalanta and Sassuolo winger has added a direct, unpredictable element to the Juventus attack, scoring crucial goals, including a vital winner in a recent victory. His potential permanent signing is seen as a move to solidify the attacking line for the club's long-term project. The club's management is reportedly pleased with his adaptation and impact, viewing the purchase option as a valuable investment for the future.
McKennie's return from suspension is a significant boost. According to reports from the club's training ground, the 25-year-old is a lynchpin in Spalletti's 3-4-2-1 system, with his energy and versatility allowing the team to transition quickly between defence and attack. His return is expected to see the team revert to the 3-4-2-1 formation that proved successful against Genoa, with McKennie likely to start on the right flank.
With the race for Champions League qualification intensifying, Juventus will rely on the returning McKennie and the increasingly influential Boga to provide the creativity and goals needed for a top-four finish. The club is also monitoring the fitness of star striker Dusan Vlahovic, whose return from a knee injury would be a major boost, though his participation against Bologna is considered unlikely. The potential permanent capture of Boga and the return of McKennie provide a significant boost for Juventus as they enter the final, decisive phase of the season.
