Fiorentina return for Rugani as Juventus look to cut wage bill
Quick summary
Juventus defender Daniele Rugani is set to return to Fiorentina on loan as the Turin club aims to reduce its wage bill ahead of the new season.
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Attributed to original sourceThe transfer axis between Juventus and Fiorentina is heating up again, with a deal that collapsed only a few weeks ago now firmly back on the table.
According to Alfredo Pedullà, via CalcioMercato , talks have officially resumed to bring Daniele Rugani back to Florence.
The renewed push is tied to Fiorentina’s own plans in defence. The Viola could sacrifice Pietro Comuzzo this summer and are hunting a replacement with more experience at national and international level, a profile that has led them back to Rugani.
LEWISBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – JUNE 14: Daniele Rugani #24 Juventus arrives at the airport prior to the official FIFA Club World Cup 2025 on June 14, 2025 in Lewisburg, West Virginia. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) Juventus keen to offload Rugani wages as Fiorentina swoop The Italian defender is familiar with the surroundings, having spent the second half of last season on loan at Fiorentina.
He moved in the winter window on a €500,000 paid loan carrying an obligation to buy at €2 million, conditional on the club’s survival and a set number of appearances.
Fiorentina stayed up, but the appearances clause was not met, so the Viola declined to trigger the option.
Now the two clubs are in dialogue once more, with Fiorentina’s Fabio Paratici and Juventus chief executive Giovanni Carnevali exploring a formula that would cost the Viola considerably less than the terms agreed a year ago.
Rugani is under contract until 30 June 2028 on €1.8 million net per season, and Fiorentina are pushing to lower the transfer fee, a move that would allow Juventus to save the €6.6 million gross that his wages represent over the remainder of his deal.
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What happened
Daniele Rugani, who came through the Fiorentina academy before joining Juventus in 2015, is reportedly close to rejoining the Viola on loan. The move is part of Juventus' ongoing effort to trim their salary expenditure, which has been a major priority for the club's sporting directors. Rugani spent last season on loan at Cagliari, making 22 appearances, but does not feature in Juventus' plans under their current management. Fiorentina see the 27-year-old centre-back as a valuable reinforcement for their defensive line.
Chance analysis
This transfer highlights Juventus' continued financial restructuring, with high-earning fringe players being moved off the books. For Fiorentina, acquiring a experienced Serie A centre-back on loan is a low-cost strengthening of their defence. Rugani's career has stagnated at Juventus, and a return to Florence could provide a platform to revive his career, though his recent form has been inconsistent. The deal, if completed, benefits both clubs' short-term objectives.
Fiorentina gain a seasoned centre-back option on loan; Juventus reduce wage bill and free up a squad spot, with minimal sporting impact as Rugani was not in their first-team plans.
Rugani's departure slightly weakens Juventus' defensive depth but eases their wage burden; Fiorentina gain experienced centre-back cover.