Juventus Transfer Market: Behind-the-Scenes on Frattesi—Here’s Who Said No

Behind-the-scenes transfer news is emerging from Turin regarding Davide Frattesi’s failed move to Juventus. The former Inter player, now with Lazio, has undoubtedly been one of the best midfielders in the first three matchdays of the league season, having already scored three times for the Biancocelesti. His performances, combined with the injury crisis currently plaguing Spalletti’s team, have led to some regret on the Bianconeri side over the failed signing.

As reported by Matteo Moretto, Juventus had in fact officially inquired about the player this summer by contacting Inter: The Old Lady’s CEO, Giovanni Carnevali—alarmed by the condition of Khepren Thuram, who was forced to undergo surgery—had tested the waters, attempting to outline the terms of a potential transfer.

However, it was Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti himself who reportedly put a stop to the deal; he never gave the green light to sign the player, citing purely tactical reasons. Frattesi thus moved to Lazio on a paid loan worth 5 million euros, plus a €2 million bonus if specific results are achieved and a buyout clause set at €10 million, with a 50% share of the proceeds from any future sale of the player.

Gennaro Gattuso had this to say about Frattesi’s arrival in Rome: “I didn’t convince anyone. If Frattesi came to Lazio, it’s because he wanted to, and the club did everything it could to bring him here. I could say a lot of things; I could talk. I have a wonderful relationship with him; I had the chance to coach him on the national team, and we built a great national team together. Every time we had a training camp, I often spoke with him about his situation. Thanks are due to him and to the club, which did everything it could to bring him here.”