Juventus have announced the signing of Manuel Locatelli from Sassuolo. The 23-year-old joins on an initial loan with an obligation to buy for £32m.
The defensive midfielder took the world by storm with his performances during Italy’s Euro-winning campaign last month.
Locatelli didn’t start every game but was impressive whenever called upon by Roberto Mancini. His brace against Switzerland in the group stage matches was crucial in making sure Italy progressed to the Round of 16 without any hiccups.
Besides a successful Euro outing, the former AC Milan player also rocked the Serie A last season as he scored 4 goals and provided 2 assists in addition to marshalling the Sassuolo back 4 efficiently.
Here’s how Twitter reacted to Juventus signing Locatelli –
Dream come true
He turned down other teams to join us. A Juve fan, a dream of his since he was a child. He put Juventus before others 🤍🖤
— JuveFC (@juvefcdotcom) August 18, 2021
Grazie campione @locamanuel73 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/VpKjHNjEXq
For those asking how can Juve get players like Chiesa and Locatelli for so "cheap":
— Felix Bolonotto (@FEBOPE93) August 18, 2021
These players dream of playing for Juventus. No one dreams of playing for inter unless you are from Lombardy. Simple as that.
An absolute star of Euro 2020 🇮🇹
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) August 19, 2021
Manuel Locatelli has joined Juventus on a two-year loan with an obligation to buy from Sassuolo for a reported $56.7m (or €35m).
A dream come true for the midfielder 📺 https://t.co/u0avJaNELH#OptusSport pic.twitter.com/OIzMYO0zwn
How to impress your future employers
How it started How it's going
— Andrea Bargione (@AndreaBargione) August 18, 2021
#Locatelli pic.twitter.com/eu9MJqWMU2
Not surprisingly, the Italians are taking over Juventus
The 1982 Italian world cup squad had 6 Juve players as starters with a Gentile-Scirea partnership, Zoff at goal, Tardelli in midfield and Rossi in attack. The 2022 squad will have Bonucci Chiellini partnership with Locatelli in midfield and chiesa in attack.
— Don Lippi (@Rahulvn5) August 19, 2021
Azzuri 🤝Juventus pic.twitter.com/uISpYGNM1P
Stats don’t lie
📊| Locatelli stats in the 20/21 Serie A season:
— JuveFC (@juvefcdotcom) August 18, 2021
Most touches: 1st
Passes attempted: 1st
Passes in opposition half: 1st
Passes in to the final third: 1st
Final third entries: 1st
Total tackles: 2nd
Final third passes attempted: 3rd
[@Squawka] pic.twitter.com/bYYeWo073Y
AC Milan fans are salty
Officially over Locatelli. Unfollowed from insta and all socials. Time to start calling him a rat and snake 🐍🐍.
— Adriano (@Milan_Fanatic) August 18, 2021
We move
I honestly couldn’t care less about Locatelli and his words. I don’t understand how we could expect any player to have loyalties to their first team these days. Guess it works both ways.
— Stefchenko 🔴⚫️ (@Stef_Sartori) August 19, 2021
He also wouldn’t start in this Milan team. Kessie and Bennacer are greater indv/in tandem.
I’m a Locatelli lover. Have been since he put on the Milan jersey and always knew he would be a top midfielder one day.
— Adriano (@Milan_Fanatic) August 18, 2021
Ngl, it hurt what he said about Juve being his dream. All the more reason for Tonali to snap him at the San Siro 👍🏼
