Two interviews published on the morning of 7 August tell complementary stories about where Juventus stand as the Asian pre-season tour reaches its halfway point — and the trending bar alongside the Boga piece reveals several breaking developments that shape the broader picture.
Lucumí Chooses Juventus — Personal Agreement Reached, Cabal as Makeweight, Bologna Now Under Pressure
Despite significant late interest from Nottingham Forest and exploratory contacts from Chelsea and Manchester United, Jhon Lucumí has made his decision: Juventus, and only Juventus.
According to Nicolò Schira in Tuttosport, the Colombian centre-back has already reached a broad personal agreement with the bianconeri — a five-year contract at €2.5 million net per season plus bonuses. That figure is approximately €1 million less per year than Forest were prepared to offer — but Lucumí’s reasoning goes beyond money. Juventus offer European football, a higher platform, and continued presence in a Serie A environment where he has thrived. The determination shown by Carnevali, Massara, and Ottolini in their courtship — meetings at Hotel Gallia in Milan are ongoing — has clearly left a strong impression.
His World Cup performances with Colombia underlined why the pursuit is so worthwhile. Against Portugal, he nullified Cristiano Ronaldo so completely that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner barely touched the ball. Spalletti watched and took note.
Bologna are holding firm at €25 million, aware that their release clause of €28 million expired on 15 July and that Lucumí has just ten months remaining on his contract. The bianconeri‘s opening offer of €17 million was rejected, but a new and more substantial approach is imminent — with Juan Cabal included as a makeweight to reduce the cash element. The Colombian full-back’s inclusion makes structural sense for both clubs, and Juventus are confident the gap can be closed.
Boga: “The Permanent Transfer Is Not an Arrival Point — I Must Still Earn This Shirt”
Jérémie Boga’s first extended interview as a permanently contracted Juventus player reflects a level of self-awareness that is both refreshing and immediately disarming. The Ivorian winger, speaking to Tuttosport, refused to treat his €4.8 million purchase from Nice as any kind of destination.
“Arriving in the January transfer window, I did not have much time to settle in — I had to adapt immediately to a new context. Since the summer I have been able to get to know the manager better: I am trying to understand with greater attention exactly what he asks of me and what he expects. Starting a season with Spalletti from the very beginning is an advantage.”
On the competitive dynamic with Kenan Yıldız — two creative, direct wide players with overlapping positional profiles: “He is a competitor, but there is feeling between us. On the pitch you compete, but off it there is a good atmosphere. I need to earn the right to wear this shirt every day.”
The Stories Breaking Alongside — Three Significant Developments
The trending column alongside Boga’s article contains three updates that deserve their own attention.
First: Douglas Luiz has reportedly declined an approach from Everton and decided to stay at Juventus — a significant development that suggests Spalletti’s confidence in the Brazilian following his pre-season performances has found its mirror in the player’s own commitment to fighting for his place.
Second: fresh contacts between Juventus and Bologna have been confirmed regarding Lucumí, with the gap between the two clubs described as having narrowed.
Third: the sidebar confirms that the Koopmeiners loan door has now officially opened — creating the financial space that could unlock the Kessié deal in the next phase of the window.
