Fiorentina have reopened negotiations with Juventus to re-sign defender Daniele Rugani, weeks after allowing a previous purchase option to expire. The Italian centre-back is once again the subject of talks between the two Serie A clubs as both sides seek a mutually beneficial arrangement.
Rugani spent the second half of last season on loan at the Artemio Franchi, joining in the winter transfer window on a deal worth €500,000. That temporary move included an obligation to buy set at €2 million, contingent on Fiorentina avoiding relegation and Rugani meeting a specific appearance target. Although the Viola secured their top-flight status, the defender did not play enough matches to trigger the mandatory purchase clause. Consequently, Fiorentina declined to activate the option when the opportunity arose earlier this summer.
Wage relief for Juventus
The Bianconeri are eager to remove Rugani from their wage bill as they continue their squad restructuring. The defender remains under contract with the Turin club until 30 June 2028, earning €1.8 million net per season. Removing his salary would save Juventus approximately €6.6 million in gross wages over the remainder of his deal.
Fiorentina sporting director Fabio Paratici and Juventus chief executive Giovanni Carnevali are now exploring a new formula that would see Rugani return to Tuscany. However, the Viola are pushing to secure the transfer at a considerably lower fee than the €2 million previously tabled, hoping to capitalise on Juventus’s need for financial relief.
Defensive reshuffle
The renewed interest in Rugani forms part of Fiorentina’s wider defensive restructuring. The club are considering selling young defender Pietro Comuzzo this summer and require an experienced replacement capable of contributing at both domestic and international level. Rugani’s previous spell in Florence and his familiarity with Serie A make him a suitable candidate to fill this vacancy.
Negotiations are expected to continue over the coming days as the clubs attempt to bridge the gap in valuation. Juventus are motivated by the prospect of long-term wage savings, while Fiorentina seek an affordable solution to strengthen their defensive options ahead of the new campaign.