La Gazzetta dello Sport report that Juventus could look to agree a longer loan spell for Southampton midfielder Carlos Alcaraz. The Argentine midfielder joined the Bianconeri on loan with an option to buy in the January transfer window, but has yet to make an impact on the first team.
Gazzetta report that with Alcaraz injured and expected to miss at least a month, it’s a problem not only for the team but also individually for the player, hindering his chances of being signed outright. The €49.5 million figure agreed upon by the two clubs seems prohibitive, but there has always been a sense that Juventus and Southampton would revisit this at the end of the season, based on Alcaraz’s performance in Turin over the months.
The newspaper claim that at Continassa, there is growing consideration of asking Southampton for another loan, especially if the English club fails to return to the Premier League. At present, the Saints are 9 points behind Leicester in second place (the top two are promoted directly), although with a game in hand. The chances of direct promotion have decreased since January when Carlos arrived in Turin, although playoffs are practically assured. If Southampton were to remain in the Championship (the English second division), it’s unlikely that Alcaraz would return to the base club and, unless significant offers come in, he might go out on loan again.
It’s a delicate situation both for the player and the clubs involved. Alcaraz’s promising performances before his injury have certainly caught the attention of both Juventus and Southampton, prompting discussions about his future. As the season progresses, decisions will need to be made regarding his next steps, with the possibility of another loan spell seeming increasingly likely, particularly if Southampton’s promotion hopes falter. For now, it’s a waiting game, with Alcaraz’s recovery and Southampton’s league position determining the course of action for the promising Argentine midfielder.
