Juventus set to part ways with goalkeeper Di Gregorio this summer
Juventus have decided to sell goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio at the end of the season, according to reports from Italy. The 27-year-old, who joined from Monza last summer in a deal worth up to 18 million euros, is not considered part of the club's long-term plans despite a recent penalty save against Genoa.
Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the club's sporting directors at Continassa are not convinced of Di Gregorio's suitability to remain as first choice. The feeling within the club is that the goalkeeper has more admirers on the transfer market than within Juventus itself. The club's leadership is now focused on recruiting a more experienced goalkeeper, with Liverpool's Alisson currently the favoured target according to the same source.
Di Gregorio's departure would represent a swift end to his time in Turin after just one season. He was originally signed by former sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli, who identified him as the ideal goalkeeper for the possession-based system of then-incoming coach Thiago Motta. However, Motta's sudden departure to Inter Milan before even taking the job fundamentally altered the project for which Di Gregorio was purchased. The club has since cycled through three different managers and three sporting directors, leaving the goalkeeper as a remnant of a discarded tactical vision.
Despite the disappointing collective season, Di Gregorio has shown flashes of the quality that made him a standout at Monza, where he earned a maiden Italy call-up. His ability with the ball at his feet had previously attracted interest from several Premier League clubs. The reported sale could provide a useful financial boost for Juventus, who have already amortised the initial investment and could now book a capital gain.
For Di Gregorio, a move offers the chance to reboot his career after a challenging introduction to a top club. His next destination remains unclear, but his profile and relatively young age for a goalkeeper should ensure a robust market. His departure would mark another significant change in a summer expected to bring a major overhaul of the Juventus squad under the new sporting direction of Giovanni Manna.
