Juventus defender Daniele Rugani surprisingly joined Dutch giants Ajax on a season-long loan this summer. Speaking with Calciomercato, Rugani’s agent, Davide Torchia, shed light on the transfer process. He revealed that Ajax’s interest in Rugani began at the end of June, with both the sporting director and the coach expressing their desire to bring the player to Amsterdam.
“We analyzed the situation, waiting a bit to have clearer ideas later on. In June, we didn’t even know what would happen with Juventus,” Torchia explained. “Then the Ajax option reopened. The Dutch club needed to sell a defender to free up a spot, and when that happened, they were quicker than other clubs to close the deal.”
The agent described the negotiation as complicated, with unexpected fiscal issues between Italy and the Netherlands causing a two-day delay. However, he praised the goodwill of all parties involved in overcoming this obstacle.
Torchia highlighted Rugani’s growth during his time at Juventus, stating, “He has gained a lot of experience. Winning 12 titles helps. Today he has a different awareness, of someone who, after winning many trophies, tends to want to win more. He’s more mature than a few years ago, and I think this experience at Ajax will enrich him even further.”
Interestingly, Rugani had opportunities to leave Juventus in the past, with interest from prominent English and Italian clubs. However, the player was never inclined to depart, and Juventus was reluctant to sell unless Rugani had insisted on leaving.
Torchia also revealed that there was interest from the United Arab Emirates, specifically from Al-Ain coached by Hernan Crespo. Despite an excellent financial offer, the tight timeframe for decision-making and the prospect of a complete lifestyle change made the move challenging to consider.
Regarding the choice of Ajax over other options, Torchia explained, “When a club like Ajax calls you, one of the most recognized in the world, you feel flattered.”
The agent also praised Ajax’s young coach, Francesco Farioli, describing him as someone who “despite being very young and ambitious, transforms his own needs and those of the club into play and results with great perseverance.”
