Juventus look set to make a dramatic U-turn regarding the future of Brazilian defender Alex Sandro. The 32-year-old Bianconeri veteran has five months left on his contract with the club and was expected to leave on a free transfer in June. Reports circulating in the Italian press over the last 12 months had suggested that both Sandro and wing-back Juan Cuadrado would be allowed to leave when their contracts ended, with Juve unprepared to offer them new deals.
Sky Sport Italia, La Gazzetta dello Sport and a number of outlets now report that the Old Lady have had a change of heart and are preparing to extend Sandro’s contract by at least one more season, tying him to the club until 2024.
It’s a surprise move as the Bianconeri were reportedly looking for now options to play at full-back on both flanks, but there are a number of reasons for the potential change of heart.
Sandro has been switched to a move defensive role, playing as part of a Brazilian back-three at Juventus, and the results have been positive this season. The trio formed a strong cohesive unit and went on to keep eight consecutive clean sheets at the end of last year, leading to coach Max Allegri adopting a 3-5-2 formation in subsequent games.
Juve’s off the pitch troubles continue to be of concern and the 15-point penalty handed down by the FIGC has seen them drop to eighth in the league standings. Failure to qualify for next seasons Champions League could impact the Bianconeri’s budgets for the next season, leading to a greater need to tighten the purse strings and consolidate with the players they have.
