Torino defender Alessandro Buongiorno has turned down the chance to join Juventus, citing his loyalty to Torino and its fans. The Italian center-back, who has been a symbol and flag-bearer for the Granata, reportedly told Juventus’ sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli that he “simply cannot” make the move to their city rivals.
Tuttosport report how Juventus, having lost out on Riccardo Calafiori who is likely headed to Arsenal in the Premier League, made a substantial offer for Buongiorno. According to reports, the Bianconeri proposed €42 million plus €5 million in bonuses, surpassing Napoli’s offer. However, Buongiorno, who has been with Torino since he was seven years old, remained steadfast in his decision.
The defender’s loyalty to Torino runs deep. In conversations with the club’s leadership, Buongiorno repeatedly expressed his inability to betray the team and its supporters. His stance marks a departure from previous transfers between the Turin clubs, such as those of Angelo Ogbonna and Gleison Bremer.
While Buongiorno acknowledges his ambition to compete at a higher level and for more prestigious objectives, he has made it clear that Juventus will not be his destination. This decision comes despite not playing a single minute for Italy in the recent European Championship in Germany.
With the Juventus move off the table, Napoli appear to be the frontrunner to secure Buongiorno’s services. Reports suggest that Napoli’s sporting director, Giovanni Manna, met with Buongiorno’s agent, Giuseppe Riso, to finalize the deal. The proposed transfer to Napoli is rumored to be worth around €35 million plus €5 million in bonuses, with €4 million easily achievable. Buongiorno is expected to sign a five-year contract with an annual salary of approximately €3 million plus bonuses.
