Juventus are preparing to open negotiations with Sassuolo this week as they attempt to re-sign defender Tarik Muharemovic at a reduced price. The Bosnia and Herzegovina international has impressed during a two-season loan spell with the Emilian side, establishing himself as one of the most reliable centre-backs in the division and prompting the Turin giants to explore bringing him back to the club.
Sassuolo have reportedly set a €40 million valuation on the defender. However, Juventus hold a 50 per cent sell-on clause from the original agreement, meaning they would currently need to pay €20 million to secure his permanent return. Despite this existing clause already halving the cost, the Bianconeri are reportedly hoping to negotiate the overall fee down even further before committing to the transfer.
Alternative defensive targets
Should discussions with Sassuolo fail to yield an acceptable compromise, Juventus have identified Bologna’s Jhon Lucumi as a viable alternative. The Colombian international carries a market valuation of approximately €25 million, though sources suggest the club views Muharemovic as the more economical long-term option if Sassuolo’s asking price can be lowered from its current level.
Factors aiding negotiations
Talks between the two Italian clubs are scheduled to take place this week. Juventus may benefit from the recent appointment of Giovanni Carnevali as their new chief executive. Carnevali previously served as Sassuolo’s sporting director, and his existing relationship with the Neroverdi hierarchy could prove instrumental in securing a discounted deal for the defender.
Muharemovic originally moved to Sassuolo on a temporary basis after developing through Juventus’s Next Gen youth system. His consistent displays over the past two campaigns have convinced the Turin club that he is capable of stepping up to bolster their senior squad, but the deal remains contingent on finding common ground regarding the transfer fee.