With such rigamarole surrounding the arrival of Francisco Conceicao rejoining the Turin titans, another similar saga is anticipated from the same club.
Winger Conceicao was initially snubbed by Igor Tudor, when he was appointed interim head coach in March. This was a shock as the 22-year-old had previously been impressive under the then manager Thiago Motta.
His season-long from FC Porto was petering out, with the Serie A side showing zero interest in offering the Portugal international a permanent contract.
Once Tudor was down to the bare bones, he recalled Conceicao to the starting line-up and the rest is history. His solid season finale was followed by some strong displays at the FIFA Club World Cup, which encouraged a long drawn-out deal to finally come to fruition.
Conceicao's return to Turin
Juventus have signed Conceicao on a five-year contract, with Porto to be paid four instalments of €8 million (US$9.4m). He is Tudor’s second transfer, following the arrival of Canada striker Jonathan David on a freebie.
Now the Bianconeri are looking at adding Conceicao’s former Porto team-mate Joao Mario as part of a potential right-back cash swap deal with Juve’s Alberto Costa.
A plethora of recent possible deals have brought up the name of Costa as a sweetener, such as bringing in Sporting Lisbon’s skipper Morten Hjulmand to bolster Juve’s midfield.
Serial winner Mario
Mario, capped three times by Portugal, is surprisingly valued at only €10m (US$11.7m). He is currently in Austria for pre-season training.
The 25-year-old’s winning mentality and versatility are an attraction for Tudor. He has won a staggering 10 trophies at Porto, where he has spent his entire career, and can also be positioned in right midfield or as a right wing-back.
Although it was a battle of wills to get the Conceicao deal over the line, there is a positive working relationship between Juventus and Porto that should pave the way for Mario to arrive in Turin if he wants a new challenge.