Francisco Conceicao arrived on a one-season loan from FC Porto in late August, when Thiago Motta was manager. Since Igor Tudor took over as interim head coach in late March, he has dramatically down the pecking order.
Tudor switched from Motta’s preferred 4-2-3-1 tactics to a 3-4-2-1 formation, which reduced the need for out-and-out wingers.
If Tudor remains at the helm to tackle next season, then the Portuguese left-footer will firmly be out of Juve’s plans.
Purchase unlikely to be activated
The agreement with Porto features a €30 million (US$33.45m) release clause, which can be triggered by 15 July.
Should the 22-year-old impress at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup finals in June and July, then there could be an unlikely U-turn to secure his signature.
A potential acquisition appears to be out of the question, as he has been inconsistent under Tudor and regularly benched despite the glut of injuries.
Having bagged five goals in 30 appearances for Juve, it was surprising that the right winger was overlooked by Tudor when Turkish talent Kenan Yildiz was suspended for two crunch games.
Brief chance to shine
He started on the bench against both Bologna and Lazio, yet appeared in the second half at the Stadio Olimpico only to be subbed after a 40-minute appearance.
As there was no official buy option included in the deal, there was no obligation for the Bianconeri to buy Conceicao, who looks likely to return to Porto after the Club World Cup finals in the United States.
Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli was full of praise for Conceicao before the end of last year, and declared that he would definitely stay with the Turin titans.
AC Milan and AS Roma are monitoring his availability following Juve’s change of heart. With Conceicao also on the radar of Premier League sides Fulham, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United.