Juventus Reject Al Ahli’s €25 Million Offer for Captain Manuel Locatelli

Juventus have rejected a €25 million bid from Al Ahli for their captain, Manuel Locatelli. The Saudi club is now looking for other options this summer.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Last week, Al Ahli made a formal €25 million offer to Juventus for Manuel Locatelli. The Italian club immediately rejected the bid, indicating that Locatelli remains an important part of their plans. Reports from Italy suggest Al Ahli have shifted their focus to other midfielders, such as Denis Zakaria. However, no agreement has been reached with him yet. Locatelli’s contract runs until 2028, and he is now seen as an invaluable figure at Juventus after becoming the club captain under Thiago Motta.

LOCATELLI’S IMPORTANCE AT JUVENTUS

Locatelli has become a central figure for Juventus, especially since Thiago Motta took over as coach. He was given the captain’s armband and played a key role in leading the team to a strong finish last season. Locatelli scored crucial goals and helped Juventus secure fourth place in Serie A, which guaranteed them a spot in the 2025–26 Champions League. According to reports, Juventus finished fourth in Serie A last season, missing the title to Napoli. Last season, Locatelli made 32 Serie A appearances, contributing with his leadership and composure in key moments. He scored the penalty that sealed their Champions League spot in the final league game. His transformation under Motta and then under Tudor, from a defensive midfielder to an all-around leader, has endeared him to fans and cemented his place in the squad.

WHAT NEXT FOR JUVENTUS AND AL AHLI?

With Al Ahli now looking at other alternatives such as Denis Zakaria, uncertainty remains over their next midfield signing. Meanwhile, Juventus are preparing for a new season in both Serie A and the Champions League. Last season, the team finished just one point above fifth-placed Roma. Their first match of the new Serie A season will be against Parma, while Atalanta will face Pisa. Locatelli is expected to continue leading Juventus as captain, with fans hoping his presence will provide stability as the club aims to climb higher in the league and challenge for trophies once again. Juventus will begin the 2025-26 Serie A season aiming to improve from fourth place last season, as they aim to compete for the Serie A title and perform well in European tournaments.