Damien Comolli
Manchester City‘s Bernardo Silva and Liverpool’s Alisson find their futures uncertain. There is a chance they end up uniting at Juventus next season.
Last week,Sport Witness covered the Old Lady’s initial approach for the goalkeeper. The Brazilian had expressed a willingness to join, even if he signed a new deal with the Reds last month.
As for the midfielder, Juve have madeinitial contact with his agent Jorge Mendes too. They’re facing competition from Barcelona but the Italian side remain firmly in the race.
With Luciano Spalletti having now signed a contract extension himself, Juve’s plans for the summer are accelerating.
Sporting director Damien Comolli has been asked about the Liverpool and Manchester City stars and he gave away enough about the Bianconeri’s intentions.
Duo could be keen on deal
The Frenchman spoke toGazzetta dello Sport from a Juventus event yesterday. He was asked about the club’s plans for the future and the decision to hand Spalletti a new contract.
Interestingly, Alisson and Bernardo also emerged as topics. Comolli indicated the two players are interested in a switch to the Bianconeri even without Champions League football.
Smirking, he said:“Bernardo Silva and Alisson? I won’t name names (smiles). But yes, Juve always has the allure of attracting champions. What’s surprised me so far is that no player we’ve spoken to has said, ‘I’ll only come if you reach the Champions League.’ Players want to come to Juventus because it’s Juventus.”
It didn’t end there as Comolli also spoke specifically about the Manchester City midfielder. He made it clear that it isn’t only free agents that Juve are chasing
“I hold him up as a good example, but even he hadn’t won much before joining City. We’re not necessarily looking for players who have won or are necessarily free agents, but rather men with the personality to succeed and who can help younger players become winners.”
Our take: Strong competition incoming
It is fair to say that Alisson’s Liverpool future should not be as uncertain as that of his Manchester City counterpart. The goalkeeper’s contract at Anfield runs out in 2027 and he doesn’t have to rush into a decision.
Even if Juventus are keen, there is every chance they miss out on the Champions League. This will deny Alisson from earning as much as he would like, forcing him to take a wage cut.
As for Bernardo, things will not be easy for the Old Lady. He is still 31 and still very much doing a very reliable job for Manchester City.
That is why he appeals to multiple clubs who should offer European football and a higher wage than the Italian side.
So even if Comolli can go down the ‘Juve is Juve’ path, it might just be a way to promote the club to players. The truth is simply that both deals will be far from easy.