As Randal Kolo Muani completed his medical and prepared to board the flight to Hong Kong alongside his new teammates, Juventus’s transfer operation on Sunday continued to move simultaneously on three distinct fronts: the loan of Vasilije Adžić to Sassuolo, the permanent departure of Joao Mário to Fiorentina, and the ongoing pursuit of Jhon Lucumí from Bologna.
Sassuolo Beat Cagliari to Adžić — with a Long-Term Plan Built In
The race for Adžić ended in Sassuolo’s favour on Sunday morning, with the Emilian club overtaking Cagliari in the final stages of a pursuit that had attracted interest from several Serie A sides. The Montenegrin teenager, who provided the assist for Oboavwoduo’s goal against Nizza on 31 July, has given his personal approval to the move — making the Sassuolo connection a natural fit given Alberto Aquilani’s reputation for developing creative young players.
The structure is a loan with a right to purchase, with Juventus retaining a sell-on percentage to protect their long-term interest in a player they continue to believe in. The contractual framework being discussed ties Adžić to a 1+4 arrangement — effectively a five-year project running until 2031 if all options are exercised. Confirmation is expected in the opening days of next week.
Joao Mário: Fiorentina Deal Almost Complete
The Portuguese right-back’s departure from Juventus is equally imminent. Joao Mário, who did not travel to Asia, is closing in on a permanent move to Fiorentina — a club whose manager Fabio Grosso has already given his personal endorsement to the operation. The final details are being resolved, with both the player and the selling club aligned on making the deal happen as swiftly as possible.
Lucumí Puts Juventus First — But Bologna Are Holding Firm
The most pressing and most complex of the three threads concerns Jhon Lucumí. The Colombian centre-back has placed Juventus at the very top of his personal list of preferred destinations and is genuinely waiting for the Turin club to make their decisive move. The problem is financial: Juventus have submitted an opening offer of approximately €17 million, whilst Bologna are holding at around €25 million. The €8 million gap must be bridged before a deal can be concluded.
The context complicating matters further is the genuine and diverse competition for Lucumí’s signature. Como, two Turkish Super Lig clubs, and two Premier League sides have all registered interest. That competitive pressure could yet force Juventus’s hand — or alternatively, the player’s own declared preference for the bianconeri could be used as leverage to persuade Bologna to lower their expectations. For now, the negotiation continues, and the Colombian waits.
