The summer transfer window is heating up in Serie A, and the well-established pipeline between Juventus and Fiorentina is once again open for business. The latest name on the negotiating table is Italian defender Daniele Rugani, with the Viola keen to bring the 31-year-old back to Tuscany as the Bianconeri aim to trim their wage bill.
Rugani's future in doubt
Rugani has long been a squad player at Juventus, making over 150 appearances since arriving from Empoli in 2015 but rarely nailing down a regular starting berth. With new manager Thiago Motta now at the helm, the club are focused on lowering the average age of the squad and reducing expenditure, making the experienced centre-back surplus to requirements. Rugani's current contract, worth around €3.5 million net per season, runs until 2026, and offloading him would free up significant funds for the club’s rebuild.
Sources close to the situation indicate that Juventus are willing to listen to offers and would even consider a loan with an obligation to buy to facilitate a departure. The defender himself is understood to be open to a move in search of regular minutes, having started only 12 league matches last term.
Fiorentina reignite interest
Fiorentina have a long-standing admiration for Rugani, having attempted to sign him on multiple occasions in recent windows. Manager Raffaele Palladino views him as an ideal complement to his current central defensive options, bringing experience and composure to a backline that has leaked goals at times. The Viola’s recruitment team have been in contact with Juventus to explore a deal, reportedly proposing a season-long loan with an option — or obligation — to buy set at around €8-10 million.
"Rugani is a player we know well and appreciate," a Fiorentina source told Football Italia. "He would bring stability to our defence and help our younger players develop. Negotiations are ongoing."
Deal structure and challenges
While both clubs are keen to reach an agreement, the key sticking point remains the wage contribution. Fiorentina are reluctant to cover Rugani’s full salary, and Juventus may need to subsidize a portion of it to get the deal over the line. Alternative options include an outright sale at a reduced fee, but the player’s camp is said to prefer a move that guarantees a permanent switch beyond 2026.
The transfer axis between these two clubs has been active in recent years, with players like Federico Chiesa, Dusan Vlahovic, and Nico Gonzalez moving in one direction or another — often with acrimony. This deal, however, is being conducted amicably, with both parties seeking a mutually beneficial solution.
Key Takeaways
- Juventus are determined to move Daniele Rugani on this summer to reduce the wage bill and reshape the squad under Thiago Motta.
- Fiorentina are leading the race to sign him, proposing a loan with a purchase obligation around €8-10 million.
- Wage contributions remain the main obstacle, but a compromise is expected in the coming weeks.
- Rugani would bring experience to a Fiorentina side looking to challenge for European places.
- A deal would continue the busy transfer relationship between the two Serie A rivals.
Quick Facts
Age: 31
Position: Centre-back
Juventus appearances: 150+
Current contract: Expires June 2026
Wages: Approx. €3.5m net per season