Federico Bernardeschi: I want to stay at Juventus

Juventus midfielder Federico Bernardeschi has said he has a “desire” to stay at Juventus amid impending contract talks with the club.

Bernardeschi’s current deal in Turin expires at the end of the season with many clamouring for the Italian international to pen an extension following a brilliant end to 2021. The 27-year-old has emerged as a versatile and valuable member of Massimiliano Allegri’s squad, with some Juventini beginning to alter their opinions of the player.

The Italian’s certainly enjoying his best run of form at Juventus since his debut season. He joined the club in a €35m deal from Fiorentina back in 2017 and had struggled to assert himself in Piedmont.

The arrival of Allegri, who has shown faith in the player from the very outset since his return, has offered Bernardeschi a new lease of life. Before the season, it appeared that his Juve career would peter out to an anti-climactic conclusion with many unbothered by his contract situation. That indifference has certainly dissipated.

Federico Bernardeschi wants Juventus stay

Bernardeschi had previously been coy regarding talks over a new contract. Recently, though, he was much more revealing as he spoke to DAZN Italy (via Alfredo Pedulla).

“We are open to dialogue and my agent will see Juve: the desire to stay here is there,” Bernardeschi said.

“There is a tradition in the locker room whereby those who renew, pay the whole team dinner. If so, I will be happy to pay it,” he added.

Bernardeschi will likely have to take a pay cut to extend with Juve

However, if Bernardeschi is to extend with Juventus, he’ll likely have to take a pay cut.

Juve are willing to discuss a new deal with the 27-year-old, but Calciomercato.com speculate that the player will have to accept a reduction between €1m-€1.5m to his current salary. He currently earns €4m per season.