Reports: Juventus interested in signing Bayern Munich defender on loan
According to Corrie dello Sport, Juventus is all set to bid for Bayern Munich centre-back Medhi Benatia as they look to bolster their defence this summer. After yet another injury prone season at Bayern, the 29-year-old had been rumoured to leave Bayern Munich since the winter break and had been a target of Juventus since then.
The latest reports from Tuttosport, the Italian club is looking to sign the Moroccan as an initial loan this summer, but with a €20M purchase option ready for the next season. This move would most likely be approved by the player as his chances at being an integral part of Bayern has been cut down heavily with the club signing Matt Hummels from Borussia Dortmund.
Considering such circumstances, it is most likely that Benatia would prefer a move back to Serie A, where he could be a crucial first team member. Though the teams are yet to discuss the transfer, It is also rumoured that the deal could be parallel to the €32M purchase option Bayern has on Kingsley Coman.
Also read: 6 famous players who switched between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund
Though Benatia was linked with a Roma reunion over the last six months, it seems that the Giallorossi and Juventus are downright competing for the player’s signature. Both the clubs are looking to bolster their defence and an in-form Medhi ‘Machine Gun’ Benatia would be a suitable replacement for any of their current defenders as a crucial first team member.
As Roma had sold the Moroccan for a fee of €26 million two seasons ago, the deal would definitely not come cheap and hence the loan option is the only probable option they would have. Between Roma and Juventus, the nature of the loan deal will be the deciding factor as to who would get to sign him. While Roma has offered a greater front fee with just an option to buy, Juventus is allegedly considering a lesser fee with a mandatory purchase clause based on appearances. Though it is a minor variation, it could be the deciding factor for Bayern Munich.
Whatever the case maybe, it seems that the centre back would most definitely be leaving Bayern Munich this summer as his position is now covered by Matt Hummels alongside Jerome Boateng, David Alaba and Phillip Lahm. It is just a monetary matter now as once either of the teams strike a deal with Bayern, the move would be welcomed by all parties concerned.