In a surprising turn of events, Juventus have placed Brazilian defender Danilo out of the squad as he awaits developments regarding his future, primarily linked to Napoli. The situation escalated just before Juventus’s Serie A match against Fiorentina, where it was announced that Danilo would not be traveling to Saudi Arabia for the Supercoppa. This decision is not entirely unexpected, as it marks a significant shift in Danilo’s standing within the club.
Gazzetta dello Sport report that Danilo’s contract with Juventus expires in June 2025, and while the club is keen to offload him to save on wages, they also want to secure some financial compensation for his departure. Reports indicate that Danilo has been in discussions with Napoli for several weeks, but Juventus has yet to agree on terms that would facilitate his transfer. The club’s reluctance stems from their current defensive crisis, exacerbated by injuries to key players like Gleison Bremer and Juan Cabal.
Thiago Motta, Juventus’s head coach, has made it clear that Danilo is not part of his plans moving forward. This has led to Danilo being marginalized within the squad, with other players like Weston McKennie taking on roles traditionally held by the Brazilian. Despite his previous insistence on honoring his contract until its natural conclusion, Danilo appears eager to explore opportunities elsewhere, particularly with Napoli under the management of Antonio Conte.
Conte has expressed a strong interest in bringing Danilo to Napoli, viewing him as a critical addition to bolster the team’s defense during a period of need. While Napoli is pushing for a deal that would allow them to acquire Danilo without a transfer fee—given his contract situation—Juventus is holding out for some form of compensation. This impasse has created a tense atmosphere as both clubs navigate their respective needs and strategies.
In addition to Napoli’s interest, there have been whispers of potential offers from Saudi Arabian clubs, but Danilo seems primarily focused on making a move within Europe. The upcoming January transfer window is pivotal for all parties involved, as Juventus must address their defensive needs while also managing the exit of a player who has served as captain.
