Transfer deadline day is crazy sometimes… and it never stops. That’s why in soccer, surprises happen even after the transfer window closes. Nobody expects a big plot twist, but then it hits out of nowhere.
How the Alaba deal happened
Here is an exclusive, totally unexpected story: David Alaba will play in Serie A for Udinese. Sensational and shocking, yes. But how did this deal come together?
The timing is wild because nobody saw this coming, especially right now. In reality, Alaba told his agents he wanted to move to Italy last spring. Once he decided to leave Real Madrid as a free agent, he explored several Italian options.
Juventus decided not to proceed. Napoli preferred Badiashile from Chelsea. Milan rejected the idea from early May. Inter also said no, as they didn’t want more center-backs. Surprisingly, Atalanta actually considered it. La Dea evaluated the move, but decided not to push through. Udinese closed the deal quickly and decisively.
It is a one-year contract at very modest wages. If Alaba wanted just money, massive offers were waiting in the Middle East. Instead, David wanted a competitive league. Serie A motivates him. Juve had one last chance to reconsider recently, but chose not to.
Neto for the Juve goal, but…
Speaking of Juventus, a free agent signing could happen: the deal to bring back Brazilian goalkeeper Neto is nearly done. Negotiations are wrapping up right now for a contract through June at very low figures. Neto made himself fully available without demanding high wages. Juve is ready to complete the move.
However, Juve might have a few different plans for their future goalkeeper. The performance of Frosinone’s goalkeeper Palmisani is not going unnoticed. He was brilliant against Como. He is definitely already on Juventus’s scouting list. They will keep monitoring him over the coming months.
Is Juventus opening up to free agents?
Until now, Juventus has been strict about free agents. They gave a hard “no” to Marcelo Brozovic despite injuries to Locatelli and Thuram. Bissouma was also offered, and the ex-Tottenham midfielder was ready to sign in early September. However, Juve’s board chose to stay put and wait for January for reinforcements. Bissouma then flew to Ajax. Juve’s stance is clear: they only move if fully convinced, not just to add extra numbers.
Before he signed with Aston Villa in late August, German midfielder Leon Goretzka was offered as well, back when Franck Kessié’s future was still undecided. In that case too, Juve politely declined.
It is a new and different approach, a very specific choice. But keep an eye on future free agents, those available in June 2027. The story could change if someone convinces them. Their eyes are already (very much) wide open.
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