After a season that felt like navigating a particularly choppy stretch of the Arno river, Francisco Conceição is reportedly on the cusp of returning to Juventus. The axis between Turin and Porto is heating up, and the `son of art` – Portuguese football manager Sérgio Conceição`s offspring – is expected back at the Continassa training ground any day now. His previous year at the club was, to put it mildly, a genuine rollercoaster, marked by moments of dazzling brilliance interspersed with periods where he seemed almost like a visitor.
Initially, his arrival was met with a dose of skepticism. He was the pacey winger, sometimes prone to overdoing the dribbles, occasionally looking for contact in the box a bit too eagerly. Yet, he was also the player who delivered the crucial 1-0 goal against Inter at the Stadium, securing three vital points, provided an assist in the derby, and contributed another assist in the chaotic 4-4 thriller against Inter earlier in the season. Conceição certainly lived “multiple lives” within a single Juventus campaign, a constant up and down that nonetheless seems to have hardened him rather than broken him. Welcomed with doubt, briefly hailed as a phenomenon, then perceived as surplus to requirements, before rediscovering flashes of genius – the narrative around him shifted frequently. The thought of investing €30 million on him seemed, at one point, off the table, suggesting a mere handshake and farewell was the likely outcome.
However, as in any good story, the ending is often the most telling part. New coach Igor Tudor has evidently seen something significant in the young player, convincing him to build around the 23-year-old winger (he turns 23 in December). Tudor himself is navigating a fresh start, and their paths appear set to converge positively. The previous season wasn`t simply a case of `Chico having an off-year`; it was a complex period for everyone involved.
Conceição and Tudor: A Developing Understanding
The dynamic between player and coach reportedly shifted after the Lazio-Juventus match. Conceição played 41 minutes, coming on at halftime only to be substituted again in the 87th minute – a seemingly strange decision. Afterward, Tudor reportedly apologized to the Portuguese player (and another substitute, Adzic) and engaged in a lengthy conversation to explain his reasoning, carefully avoiding demoralization after what could easily have felt like a pointed rejection. They found common ground. Conceição’s maturity in handling that moment did not go unnoticed by the coach, who evaluates players not just for their skills but also for their character.
Since then, sideline chats between the two before matches have become a regular occurrence, filled with detailed discussions on how to approach the game. Now, with Chico`s return to Juve seemingly imminent, the Croatian coach will have an even greater opportunity to mold his qualities and integrate him into a squad with renewed ambitions.
Why Juve is Banking on Him: The Four Core Reasons
Negotiations with Porto are ongoing, and thanks to mediation from Mendes (a super-agent known for navigating complex deals) with a club they already have a working relationship with, optimism is reportedly high that the player will be back with Tudor`s squad for the start of pre-season training on July 24th. Juventus is making a clear commitment to Conceição, driven by several key factors:
1. Growth Potential and Role Versatility: At just 22 (turning 23 later this year), Conceição has considerable room for development. Both the club and the coach recognize this. While his pace and ability on the wing are evident, Tudor also envisions him potentially operating just behind the striker, leveraging his talent in one-on-one situations and his ability to beat a defender. This positional flexibility adds significant value.
2. Tudor`s Explicit Desire: This is perhaps the most critical factor. Tudor considers Conceição a fundamental piece of his team for the upcoming season. The coach`s strong conviction is a powerful endorsement and a key reason for the club`s pursuit.
3. Existing Juventus Experience: Conceição has already spent a year immersed in the Juventus environment, culture, and the specific challenges of Serie A. He knows the league, the opponents, and the demands of the club. Having navigated a complex and often difficult season has likely granted him greater self-awareness and resilience, saving valuable integration time compared to a completely new arrival.
4. Strategic Flexibility: Crucially, bringing Conceição back does not close the door on other potential transfer targets. Specifically, it doesn`t preclude a move for Jadon Sancho, an operation Juventus is reportedly pursuing at a more deliberate pace. Conceição`s return is a distinct, faster process, allowing the club to strengthen the squad without compromising other potential strategies.
For Francisco Conceição, it seems the Turin chapter was merely paused, not finished. His return isn`t just a transfer; it`s a statement of faith from a coach and a club who believe his past struggles have built the foundation for future success.