Michele Di Gregorio has made a definitive break from Juventus following his season-long loan move to AFC Bournemouth, scrubbing his online profiles of all Juventus-related content. The Italian goalkeeper joins the Premier League side with an option to buy set at approximately €14 million.
The shot-stopper arrives on the English south coast after two seasons in Turin, where he featured in the Champions League but faced criticism for errors during the latter stages of his tenure. Juventus have already secured his replacement, bringing in Guglielmo Vicario on loan from Tottenham Hotspur with a similar purchase option.
Fresh start in England
Di Gregorio expressed enthusiasm about his new chapter, highlighting Bournemouth’s ambition and the opportunity to compete in English football’s top flight. “I feel good, I feel happy, I’m very pleased to be here,” he told the club’s media channels. “I felt the club’s strong desire to bring me here and I felt the club’s ambition to continue growing and achieving great things.”
He described the Premier League as “definitely the best league in the world,” adding: “For me, it’s an honour to be here and play in it and to be involved in matches at the highest level, I can’t wait to get started.”
The goalkeeper revealed that former Juventus teammate Lloyd Kelly, who spent five years with Bournemouth before moving to Serie A, encouraged the switch. Di Gregorio consulted Kelly about life on the south coast and English football. “He spoke very well of the club, the city and the life here. He recommended this move to me,” Di Gregorio explained.
Juventus overhaul
Di Gregorio’s departure forms part of a broader restructuring of Juventus’s goalkeeping department. The Turin club moved swiftly to secure Vicario from Tottenham, with supporters viewing the change as an upgrade following Di Gregorio’s inconsistent performances.
The Bournemouth deal provides the Italian with a platform to rebuild his reputation while supporting the club’s debut European campaign. “I believe I’m a very strong, reactive goalkeeper,” he stated. “Being here and testing myself in this league where there are lots of top goalkeepers will help further my development.”
Should Di Gregorio impress during the season, Bournemouth could make the move permanent for the reported €14 million fee, securing a long-term solution between the posts as the club embarks on its first European adventure.