With just four days left in the summer transfer window, Juventus remain focused on making a concrete move for Edon Zhegrova, the Kosovan winger currently owned by Lille. The club has already reached a basic agreement with the talented 1999-born player but faces challenges in finalizing the transfer.
One key complication is the unexpected decision to keep Nico Gonzalez at Juventus this season, confirmed by sporting director Comolli. Gonzalez’s continued presence limits Juventus’s available funds and complicates the club’s plans to fully pursue Zhegrova.
Zhegrova’s Role and Tactical Fit
Coach Tudor welcomes Gonzalez’s retention, viewing the Argentine as a valuable asset for the right wing. Gonzalez is expected to play as a versatile wide midfielder, essentially serving as a backup for Joao Mario.
Zhegrova, on the other hand, would strengthen Juventus’s attacking options mainly from the attacking midfield or trequartista position. With Koopmeiners moving deeper into midfield, Juventus currently lacks alternatives behind key players like Yildiz and Conceicao. Bringing in Zhegrova would add high-level quality and fill a tactical gap in the squad.
A New Strategy Emerges
According to reports from Tuttosport (as quoted by ilbianconero) , Juventus’s financial constraints, especially the need to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations, limit their ability to spend freely. However, a new scenario might pave the way for the deal: Lille could offer Zhegrova a short-term contract extension, possibly from 2026 to 2027, while Juventus would propose a structured deal involving a loan with an obligation to buy.
This approach aims to ease the timing and financial hurdles and could be the key to unlocking the transfer in the final days of the market.
Progress and Next Steps
Further talks are expected soon between Zhegrova and Lille to assess the possibility of the proposed bridge contract. Meanwhile, discussions with Juventus continue, with the player having already agreed in principle to a five-year contract worth €2.5 million per season.
