Juventus are placing a significant emphasis on player sales this transfer window to alleviate a substantial wage burden, according to reports in Italy. The club’s current wage bill stands at approximately €171 million gross, exceeding that of Inter (€155 million) and hindering their ability to make new signings.
The most pressing case is that of Douglas Luiz, who earns €9.2 million gross per season. This figure is comparable to the highest earner at Fiorentina, David De Gea, and surpasses the salaries of players like Giacomo Raspadori and Donyell Malen, whose contributions were crucial for Roma’s Champions League qualification. Juventus are reportedly keen to showcase Luiz to potential buyers, recognizing that his current salary is unsustainable for a player outside of the first-team plans.
Further complicating matters is the situation surrounding Arthur, who earns €3.6 million gross annually until 2027. His wages are similar to those of Nicolò Zaniolo, recently signed by Udinese. The report highlights that over half of Serie A clubs would be unable to afford Arthur’s current salary, making a domestic transfer difficult. Arkadiusz Milik, earning €2.8 million gross, also represents a significant financial commitment despite limited playing time.
Juventus’s bloated squad, currently consisting of 30 first-team players following the arrival of Zeki Celik, necessitates further departures. Each sale would free up valuable wage space, allowing the club to reinvest in players aligned with manager Luciano Spalletti’s vision. The club is facing a paradoxical situation of holding onto players who earn as much, or more, than key players at rival Serie A clubs. This is also impacting their pursuit of targets like Lois Openda, with his €9.2 million salary presenting a challenge even for clubs in France’s Ligue 1.
The primary aim for Juventus this summer is to reduce their wage bill, which has been significantly impacted by previous transfer policies and high earners no longer central to the team’s plans. The club is increasingly looking towards the Premier League as a potential destination for these players, given the financial capabilities of English clubs.
