Juventus signed Southampton midfielder Carlos Alcaraz in the winter transfer window on a loan deal with an option to buy.
Having started just 13 Championship games under Russell Martin, Saints allowed Alcaraz to depart in Janaury.
The 2002-born was deployed in multiple positions by Martin but struggled to really nail down a place in the starting eleven.
Juve brought him in on a loan deal with a lofty option to buy worth £42m, though, news has just emerged suggesting the club won’t be activating the clause, at the price.
Juventus want to keep Southampton’s Carlos Alcaraz
Alcaraz has made four appearances for the Serie A giants since arriving.
The 21-year-old has missed the last two fixtures due to a hamstring injury but could return after the international break.
Juve are keen to keep the talented midfielder at the club beyond his initial loan spell but aren’t prepared to pay the sizable buy option.
According to Calcio Mercato, the Italian outfit only inserted the clause at such a high rate to tempt Saints into allowing a mid-season departure.
The report claims it’s ‘unlikely’ he’ll be signed for the £42m fee and instead the two parties could renegotiate a new deal.
Juve want to renew his loan and potentially discuss new figures.
Southampton should allow Carlos Alcaraz to depart
Even though they may not be receiving the £42m they’d hoped for in the summer, Southampton should still allow Alcaraz to depart at a reduced fee.
The Argentina youth international isn’t fancied by Martin and there is little point keeping him at the club if he is only going to play a bit part role.
Given the current Financial Fair Play issues around the leagues, Saints must be shrewd in the market and now allow for a Profit and Sustainability breach.
If they do remain a Championship club next season, the emphasis on selling Alcaraz will only amplify and Juve would assume a more powerful position on the negotiating table.
Clearly, he is much more valued in Italy, anyhow, and has impressed enough for the club to eye a permanent deal, so it seems best for both parties to renegotiate a new fee in the summer.
Given his age and room for development, Saints should consider sanctioning a sale for between £25-30m with a substantial sell-on fee.
That way the club covers itself in the event Alcaraz fulfils his potential and moves on from Juventus for a considerable amount.