Details behind Juventus deal for Lille defender Djalo

Juventus have agreed a deal with Lille for Tiago Djalo and are now drawing up the final details with the defender’s entourage, reports underline.

The 23-year-old Portuguese centre back, who hasn’t featured on the pitch since April of last year following a cruciate ligament injury, initially attracted the attention of Inter, who reached a verbal agreement for a free transfer in the summer.

Juventus saw an opportunity to beat their rivals to Djalo and came forward with an offer to sign the defender this month, allowing him to make the jump to Serie A six months earlier than planned with Inter.

Calciomercato.com details how Juventus have agreed to pay Lille around €3-3.5m plus a similar amount in add-ons for Djalo, as well as including a 10% future resale clause. His contract with the French side expires in the summer.

The Old Lady have prepared a four-and-a-half-year contract for the 23-year-old defender, who will stay in Turin for the foreseeable future, rather than leaving on loan as initially planned.

Juventus thought about sending Djalo away on loan for the second half of this season in order to allow him to regain some confidence and fitness after spending months sidelined with his injury, but he wasn’t interested in the idea and the club ultimately agreed to let him stay in Turin.

The Portuguese centre back will complete his recovery with the Bianconeri medical staff before being integrated into Massimiliano Allegri’s squad.