Monza goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio has opted to join Juventus, reportedly turning down a lucrative offer from Liverpool. The 29-year-old keeper has reportedly made the choice to make the move to Turin, but had attention from the Premier League at the last minute.
Tuttosport reveals the intriguing backstory of how the highly-rated goalkeeper remained committed to the Italian giants despite the allure of Anfield Road.
“Not even the call of Anfield Road could seduce and change the mind of Uomo DiGre, who – like a true superhero – kept his word to the Old Lady given in recent weeks,” Tuttosport begins, highlighting Di Gregorio’s steadfast loyalty to Juventus. As the best goalkeeper of Serie A for the 2023/24 season, Di Gregorio is set to become the new guardian of Juventus’ goal.
The final formalities between the two clubs are expected to be completed today, including a session with Di Gregorio’s agent, Carlo Alberto Belloni, to finalize the remaining contractual details. This €20 million deal involves a loan with an obligation to buy, triggered once Juventus secures their first point from February 2025. Di Gregorio will sign a contract until 2029, earning €2 million net per season, with incremental increases and bonuses over the years.
The deal has been solid since a dinner meeting in Milan on April 24 between Juventus’ sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli and Monza’s CEO Adriano Galliani. Despite interest from Milan, Inter, Roma, and Newcastle, all offers were politely declined. Liverpool, offering a significantly more lucrative deal for both the player and Monza, made a final attempt to sway Di Gregorio 20 days ago. However, both Di Gregorio and Galliani honored their commitment to Juventus, rejecting Liverpool’s overtures even during the English club’s visit to Milan last week.
Liverpool had identified Di Gregorio, born in 1997, as the ideal successor to Alisson. However, his loyalty to Juventus prevailed, and now the Bianconeri eagerly awaits his arrival.
