Football transfer speculation is a constant hum in the background, and the latest reports swirling around Italy suggest Juventus might be eyeing a seasoned operator to bolster their midfield ranks: Granit Xhaka.
The Swiss international, currently plying his trade at Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, has emerged as a name linked with a potential move to the Turin giants. While no deal is imminent, sources indicate that this is more than just idle rumour; it`s being considered a “trackable path” for the Bianconeri.
What makes this potential transfer noteworthy? Primarily, two key factors appear to align. Firstly, the player himself. Xhaka, a commanding presence in midfield with a wealth of experience from his time at Arsenal and now Leverkusen, is reportedly open, perhaps even eager, to embark on a new challenge and experience football in Italy.
Secondly, and perhaps more surprisingly from a negotiation standpoint, is the reported stance of his current club, Bayer Leverkusen. The German side is said to value the 31-year-old midfielder at approximately €15 million. In today`s market, this figure, for a player of Xhaka`s profile and leadership qualities, doesn`t immediately scream `exorbitant`. Crucially, initial reports suggest Leverkusen might even be willing to negotiate this price downward.
This willingness from the selling club to potentially discuss a lower fee, coupled with the player`s apparent desire for a change of scenery in Italy, creates a fertile ground for negotiations. For Juventus, who may be seeking to add experience and control to the centre of the park, this combination of factors makes Xhaka a potentially attractive proposition.
The coming weeks will likely shed more light on the substance of this rumour. While €15 million is the reported starting point, the real intrigue lies in how far Leverkusen would be willing to drop, and whether Juventus sees Xhaka as the ideal fit for their tactical setup and financial parameters. It appears the ball, for now, is in the court of negotiation, with a potentially significant piece of the midfield puzzle possibly up for grabs.
Ewan Marwood