Atalanta have announced the signing of Juventus defender Merih Demiral on a season-long loan with the option to buy for €30m.
Demiral was reportedly keen to depart Turin this summer in search of regular first-team football elsewhere. The 23-year-old made just eight appearances in all competitions during his debut campaign before notching a mere 934 minutes of Serie A action under Andrea Pirlo last season; one that was blighted by injuries.
Nevertheless, the Bianconeri have granted Demiral his wish by facilitating his loan move to Atalanta.
Confirmation
⚫️ 𝐁𝐄𝐍𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐔𝐓𝐎 𝐃𝐄𝐌𝐈𝐑𝐀𝐋 🔵@Merihdemiral è un nuovo giocatore dell’Atalanta! 🦾 Hoş geldin, Merih! 🔝🇹🇷#Demiral is a new Atalanta player! 🤝 Welcome, Merih! 🤩#GoAtalantaGo ⚫️🔵 pic.twitter.com/82QhThYlPL
— Atalanta B.C. (@Atalanta_BC) August 6, 2021
After Atalanta announced the loan arrival of Demiral, Juventus confirmed his departure via a statement on their official website.
“Merih Demiral has joined fellow Serie A side, Atalanta on loan, following two seasons at Juventus,” it opened.
The club then described the Turkey international as a player who “gave everything” and enthralled the masses with his “pinpoint tackles”. The 23-year-old embodied the “spirit of those who never give up and fight to the end”.
“Demiral departs after winning three trophies: the 2019/20 Serie A title and the 2020/21 Coppa Italia and 2020 Italian Super Cup, which were both won last season in the two Reggio Emilia finals.
“Thanks for everything, Merih, and good luck on your next adventure!” the club concluded.
Romero replacement
Despite Atalanta’s addition of the young and talented Matteo Lovato from Hellas Verona, the proposed departure of Cristian Romero to Tottenham meant La Dea required further reinforcements at centre-back.
Once Spurs had conjured up the requisite funds to purchase Romero, Atalanta moved swiftly to secure Demiral, who’s been linked with several clubs this summer, including Borussia Dortmund.
Demiral’s official arrival should see Romero announced as a Tottenham player on Friday night after the Argentine completed his medical. Earlier today, Juventus revealed that Atalanta had triggered the option to buy in Romero’s loan contract – facilitating his next venture to the Premier League.
The €16m fee will be paid over the next three years.