The 30-year-old, who has been frequently loaned out by Juventus, could be part of the Turin titans’ future plans. Although that will depend on who leads the Bianconeri next season.
When Thiago Motta was installed as Juve head coach last summer, Rugani was one of numerous players that were unwanted by the former Bologna boss.
Despite having made 17 Serie A appearances during the 2023/24 campaign, Rugani was shipped out on a season-long loan with Ajax last August, with no option to buy.
He has played in 15 Dutch top tier games this term, but kept on the bench 13 times that included last night in the 2-2 at FC Groningen.
Back in Turin
Due to his lack of playing time, there’s been no contact from Ajax with Juventus about potentially extending his loan for another season. A return to Juventus this summer, where he has only made 100 appearances for the club, is on the cards.
Rugani, who joined Juventus’ youth academy from Napoli in 2012 for €150,000 (US$157,000) fee, has a contract with the Bianconeri until the end of next season.
If he returns to Turin then he will need to be more careful behind the wheel, as he was handed a six-month suspended prison sentence following a drink driving incident in the city.
History of loans
Having spent 2013-2015 on loan at Empoli, 2020/21 with French outfit Rennes, followed by a six-month stint with Cagliari in 2021 and this term with Ajax, then Rugani's future points towards another loan.
Rugani has yet to train under Igor Tudor, the interim Juve head coach who could be appointed on a one-season deal for the 2025/26 campaign.
Tudor will only trigger talks with the club’s hierarchy about tackling the role on a permanent basis if he can steer Juventus into next term’s Champions League. He will be in charge of the team at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in June and July, although it seems unlikely that Rugani will be involved.
Should Juve opt for a different manager than Tudor for next season’s Serie A campaign, Rugani may get another shot at sporting the Juve jersey.