JUVENTUS LEGEND GIANLUIGI Buffon looks set to make a sensational return to the club after announcing his Paris Saint-Germain departure.
The 41-year-old left the Serie A champions at the end of his contract in June 2018 after 17 years with the club, opting to move to France and sign a one-year deal with PSG.
He recently announced his intention to leave Paris , despite being offered a contract extension, and Goal and other outlets are reporting that the Italian is set to make an unexpected return to Juventus.
Buffon’s return will see him act as back-up to first-choice keeper Wojciech Szczesny, whose stock has increased after cementing his place as one of Serie A’s finest between the sticks.
Although the move seemed unthinkable only a few days ago, the Italian’s relationship with Juventus club president Andrea Agnelli has helped to push the move through with Buffon having already agreed a one-year contract.
The move will be made official once the future of current back-up goalkeeper Mattia Perin has been decided, with the 26-year-old expected to leave the club this summer amid interest from Roma and Sevilla.
Buffon still feels he has something to offer at the highest level after leaving PSG with a Ligue 1 winners’ medal, and will possibly look at moving into management when he decides to call an end to his playing days.
The World Cup winner is not the only man who donned a PSG shirt last season who Juventus are interested in bringing to Turin this summer, however, with midfielder Adrien Rabiot high on the club’s transfer target list.
The France international was suspended by the club in December and has been linked with a move to various top European clubs, including Barcelona and Manchester United as a result, but sources close to the deal have told Goal that the Old Lady are confident of completing a deal .
The central midfielder’s contract is set to expire at the end of June, and Juventus are offering him a deal worth €7 million (£6m/$8m) per season, excluding any additional bonuses.
The Serie A champions are looking to move forward with transfer targets swiftly during the summer transfer window, having appointed Maurizio Sarri as their new coach on 16 June.
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Unbelievable player. We are lucky to have him up here. Would walk into any team in Ireland
@Shaun Gallagher: agreed but not sure he’s the most influential player for the last three decades. I think canavan was huge for Tyrone for there first two all Ireland wins, then cluxton for Dublin. Gooch for Kerry perhaps, always seemed to be turn it on in the big games.
@Paul Mallon: I think we all understand the sentiment the panel expressed last night. It could be debated if they had more time on the show and the names you’ve mentioned would be in that debate. But I think we can all agree that MM has been a superb footballer, athlete and driving force for Donegal.
Great photo at the top there. At first glance, it looks like two lads having a friendly chat but on closer inspection….a bit too close to each other for it to be friendly I assume?!
I like that guy. Reminds of an actor, can’t think of he’s name.
@Kerry Gunner: Jennifer Aniston?
@Kerry Gunner: Mickey Rourke in Sin City