Juventus's hopes of signing Robert Lewandowski and Bernardo Silva on free transfers this summer are being complicated by the club's ongoing battle to secure a place in next season's Champions League. According to reports from Italy, the uncertainty over Juventus's European status is a significant obstacle in negotiations, as both veteran players are considering multiple options. The club's recent draw against Verona has prolonged the tense race for a top-four Serie A finish, a position that is seen as essential not only for financial guarantees but also as a crucial tool to attract top-tier talent.
Lewandowski, the Polish striker, will see his contract with Barcelona expire at the end of the season. The possibility of securing a deal for the 35-year-old, similar to the free transfer that brought Luka Modric to the club, is under serious consideration by Juventus officials, who believe his winning mentality could elevate the squad. However, his agent, Pini Zahavi, is fielding interest from several clubs, including AC Milan in Italy, as well as teams from the Saudi Pro League and Major League Soccer. Barcelona have also recently proposed a contract renewal to Lewandowski, albeit on significantly reduced terms from his current reported gross salary of 30 million euros per year.
The situation is mirrored in the pursuit of Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva, identified by coach Luciano Spalletti as a key upgrade for Juventus's midfield. The Portuguese international, also approaching free agency, represents a major opportunity, but he too is weighing other life choices, with a move to Barcelona or Saudi Arabia considered strong possibilities. City's assistant coach, Pep Lijnders, recently emphasized Silva's irreplaceable nature, stating that the club will also attempt to convince him to stay, a task made easier by City's guaranteed Champions League football.
For Juventus, the lack of certainty over Champions League qualification forces a cautious, waiting game in the market. The club is reportedly compelled to delay decisive moves for both Lewandowski and Silva, hoping that rival suitors do not accelerate their own pursuits in the meantime. The coming weeks, culminating in the final Serie A standings, will be critical in determining whether Juventus can present a compelling enough project to win these high-profile transfer battles.
