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Juve rejects 25M€ for Locatelli from Al-Ahli, but ready to accept …

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1 year ago

August 19, 2025

Manuel Locatelli’s Instagram tells the story of loyalty and identity. His feed is filled with Juventus colors, family moments with his wife Thessa and son Theo, and images of him proudly wearing the captain’s armband.

His bond with Juventus is not casual—it is the realization of a dream that began when he was just a boy dreaming of football greatness. That dream culminated in the summer of 2021 when he left Sassuolo for Turin, officially joining the club he had long admired.

Today, Locatelli is more than a reliable midfielder. Under Igor Tudor, he has become indispensable, a player who embodies the spirit of Juventus. He has also regained his place in the Italian national team under coach Rino Gattuso, the very man who once gave him his Milan debut.

His consistent performances last season have caught the attention of international clubs, most notably Al-Ahli, the Saudi side that recently won the Asian Champions League.

Al-Ahli’s offer and Juventus’s response

Al-Ahli’s ambitions in Europe are clear. The club approached Juventus with an offer of €25 million for Locatelli, coupled with a staggering salary proposal of €11 million per season for the player. Despite the financial allure, Juventus’ response was immediate and firm: “No, thank you.” reports La Gazzetta dello Sport.

The refusal did not stem from disrespect but from recognition of Locatelli’s value. After four years in Turin, he is now a senior figure within the squad, carrying the symbolic “Bianconero DNA.”

His leadership has been acknowledged by two different coaches, Thiago Motta and Igor Tudor, who entrusted him with the captaincy. With his sense of belonging, Italian roots, and connection to legends like Buffon, Chiellini, and Bonucci, Juventus considers him too valuable to sell.

Yet, Al-Ahli’s determination should not be underestimated. The Saudi club has been aggressively strengthening its roster, even tabling a €45 million offer for former Juventus midfielder Denis Zakaria.

Their willingness to spend shows they are unlikely to stop at their initial bid. Reports suggest they could raise their proposal for Locatelli to around €30 million.

Future for Manuel Locatelli : Loyalty or Temptation?

For now, Juventus is unmoved. The €25 million offer was far below their valuation, especially since Locatelli originally cost almost double when signed from Sassuolo.

Financially, the midfielder’s transfer value is now nearly amortized, meaning that any sale would generate a significant capital gain for the club. That said, Juventus is facing challenges in the transfer market.

Player sales have been slow, and the club needs liquidity before making major signings. If Al-Ahli returns with €40 million or more, the situation could change according to Fabiana Della Valle. At that level, Juventus might be forced to consider, especially if the player himself expresses a desire to leave.

Locatelli, however, has never asked for a transfer. His current contract runs until 2028, renewed only last year, and he earns €3 million per season. The Saudi salary offer, nearly four times higher, could test his loyalty, but as of now, there is no indication he intends to walk away from Turin.

Should Juventus eventually accept a deal, they already have options in mind. Teun Koopmeiners, recently repositioned in midfield during preseason, could step into Locatelli’s role. The club also keeps an eye on potential last-minute loan signings, with Brighton’s Matt O’Riley considered. The long-term dream remains Sandro Tonali, though his arrival is unlikely before next season.