Rome (AFP) – Italian champions Juventus on Friday announced the signing of Turkish international defender Merih Demiral from fellow Serie A side Sassuolo for 18 million euros ($20.2 million).
The 21-year-old made a strong impression after joining Sassuolo from Alanyaspor in January on loan with an obligation to buy.
Juventus said he had signed a five-year deal to run until June 30, 2024.
Demiral scored twice in 14 Serie A appearances in the second half of last season.
Juventus, boosted by the 2018 arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo, romped to their eighth successive Italian top-flight title last term.
Demiral will strengthen a defence including the ageing Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini,, while Juve have also been linked with a move for Dutch teenage star Matthijs de Ligt of Ajax.
200+ Channels & Local Sports
- Price: Plans starting at $14.99/mo (Latino)
- Watch Ligue 1, Copa Libertadores & World Cup Qualifiers
Every MLS Match in One Place
- Price: $12.99/mo (Now included with standard subscription)
- Watch every MLS regular season game, Playoffs & Leagues Cup
Many Sports & ESPN Originals
- Price: $11.99/mo (or ESPN Unlimited for $29.99/mo)
- Features LaLiga, Bundesliga, FA Cup & NWSL
2,000+ Soccer Games Per Year
- Price: Starting at $8.99/mo
- Features Champions League, Serie A & Europa League
Home of the Premier League
- Price: Starting at $10.99/mo
- 175+ Exclusive EPL matches per season