Medhi Benatia

[Socrates 7963]

[Socrates 7963]

 

Juve ask Benatia loan?

 

http://www.football-italia.net/84166/juve-ask-benatia-loan?

May 11, 2016

Juventus will ask Bayern Munich for Medhi Benatia on loan amid doubts over his fitness, say reports.

The former Roma centre-back has had an injury-plagued season in Germany, picking up three separate muscular problems during the campaign.

Tuttosport writes today that the Bianconeri aren’t convinced that the Morocco international has fully recovered his physical condition and therefore want a temporary deal.

The Turin club have proposed an initial loan with either the right or obligation to buy in 2017, according to the newspaper.

Benatia’s departure from Bavaria looks even more likely after Bayern announced the signing of centre-back Mats Hummels from Borussia Dortmund yesterday.

[Socrates 7963]

 

Agent: ‘Benatia staying at Bayern’

 

http://www.football-italia.net/84223/agent-‘benatia-staying-bayern’?

May 12, 2016

Medhi Benatia’s agent quashes talk his client will join Juventus or Roma - “he’ll stay at Bayern Munich”.

The centre back has spent two seasons in Bavaria after moving from the Giallorossi, and the arrival of Mats Hummels has brought speculation that he could return to Serie A.

It was reported this week that the Lupi had made contact with the player, with the Bianconeri in pole position for his signature.

However, in an interview with LaRoma24, the player’s representative has insisted Benatia will remain in Germany.

“Could Benatia return to Italy?” Moussa Sissoko considered.

“I don’t think so. There’s a meeting set for next week to talk to Bayern. There’s nothing with Roma, he’ll stay at Bayern.

“Contact with Roma? It’s absolutely not true, there’s been nothing at all.

“Juventus? No, I haven’t talked to them.”

[Socrates 7963]

 

Juve stall over Benatia

 

http://www.football-italia.net/84500/juve-stall-over-benatia?

May 18, 2016

A deal for Mehdi Benatia has stalled as Bayern Munich demand €15m but Juventus want him on loan, say reports.

The former Roma defender has been heavily linked with a move to the Bianconeri this summer, particularly after the Bavarians announced the signing of defender Mats Hummels.

giornalaccio rosa dello Sport reports that there was contact yesterday between the two clubs.

Bayern are believed to have demanded no less than €15m for the centre-back, while the Bianconeri underlined that they only want the Morocco international on loan.

Both teams have now taken time to reflect and will meet again shortly, says the newspaper.

[Socrates 7963]

 

 

Juve want Benatia with option

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/85368/juve-want-benatia-option

Jun 4, 2016

Juventus will reportedly only go for Bayern Munich defender Medhi Benatia if it’s a loan with option to buy.

The former Roma defender is valued at around €20m by the German club, but he’s eager to move on in order to get more playing time.

According to Tuttosport newspaper, the Bianconeri are not willing to buy Benatia outright because of concerns around his fitness levels.

The 29-year-old had a series of injury problems this season and made only 14 Bundesliga appearances.

If Juventus are to make a swoop for Benatia, it would have to be with the ‘guarantee’ of pulling out in case of further issues.

[Socrates 7963]

Report: Juventus to try and sign Bayern

Munich defender Mehdi Benatia

 

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/6/8/11881760/mehdi-benatia-

juventus-bayern-munich-2016-serie-a-summer-transfer-rumors
 

Jun 8, 2016

Five central defenders on the Juventus roster has made sense for a lot of reasons and has been the case for a lot of years. And with Martin Cáceres seeing his Juve career coming to an official end in a matter of weeks, then the current number of central defenders on the roster is about to go down by one. (Although with Martin's numerous injuries, it's not like we weren't used to it already.)

That means Juventus, if they want to stay true to form, will need to sign a central defender to get back up to the usual number of five.

There seems to be a new — depending on how you look at it — option that may be on the market this summer...

In the next few hours the bianconeri will make an attempt for Mehdi Benatia, they would however only try to sign him on loan with option to buy. Juventus wants to ensure there is no obligation to buy, but they will still try to bring the former Roma central defender back to Serie A.

(Source: Gianluca Di Marzio)

WAIT.

WAIT.

WAIT.

Juventus trying to sign somebody on loan with the potential to work in an option to buy? Never heard of such a thing. That's not how Juventus conducts business with players who they bring in every summer.

(/end sarcasm/)

Benatia's name being linked to Juventus is not new. It's far from new, actually. He's been the defender that the likes of Tuttosport have been fawning over every transfer window the last year or two. To say his stay with Bayern Munich hasn't gone according to plan following his big-money move a couple of summers ago. He's slipped down Bayern's depth chart, and with the German giants adding more and more players to their extensive roster already this summer, it's not like things are to suddenly change for the better when it comes to Benatia getting more playing time.

Sounds like the kind of situation where Juventus would swoop in and pounce, doesn't it?

This is the kind of buy-low deal we've seen Beppe Marotta use to his advantage in the past — and certainly one he will continue to use to his liking in the future. Whether that actually involves Benatia remains to be seen, but it's hard to say that at least reading the situation from afar doesn't remind us of some other kinds of deals Juve have made over the last few summer transfer windows under Marotta's watchful eye.

[Socrates 7963]

 

Benatia, more Roma than Juve?

 

http://www.football-italia.net/86340/benatia-more-roma-juve

Jun 24, 2016

Medhi Benatia would prefer a return to Roma than a move to Juventus, but Bayern Munich won’t release him on loan.

Sky Sport Italia claim the Morocco international is eager for a Serie A comeback just two years after his €28m transfer.

While Juve are seeking reinforcements in defence, Roma are stepping up considerably following Luciano Spalletti’s warning the back line needed to be completely reconstructed.

There is a problem for both clubs, as Sky Sport Italia insist Bayern Munich will only sell Benatia definitively or on loan with mandatory option to buy.

As for the player himself, he seems more interested in a return to Roma rather than a move to Juventus.

He only wore the Giallorossi jersey for one season after leaving Udinese for €13.5m in July 2013.

His price-tag has dropped to around €18m after a series of injury concerns, which saw the 29-year-old make only 14 Bundesliga appearances this season.

[Socrates 7963]

 

Agent: 'No Benatia talks'

 

http://www.football-italia.net/86373/agent-no-benatia-talks

Jun 25, 2016

Medhi Benatia’s agent insists “there has been no contact with Roma, but they are a possibility along with Juventus and Inter.”

The Bayern Munich defender is considering a return to Serie A, but a loan will not be suitable.

“Everything the media wrote is completely false,” Moussa Sissoko told LaRoma24.it.

“If Medhi was to leave Bayern, it would be for a definitive move and not on loan.”

Is it true that Roma are in negotiations with Bayern Munich?

“At the moment we have had no contact with Roma. They are a possibility, certainly, along with Juventus and Inter, as they were all interested in Medhi, but at the moment there is nothing concrete.”

[Socrates 7963]

 

Benatia close to Juventus?

 

http://www.football-italia.net/86517/benatia-close-juventus

Jun 28, 2016

Reports suggest Medhi Benatia is close to agreeing a move from Bayern Munich to Juventus.

The former Roma centre-back is likely to leave Bavaria following the arrival of Mats Hummels, and the Bianconeri are known to be interested.

Now La Repubblica is reporting that a deal is very close, and could even be completed before this weekend.

The newspaper states that the two clubs have agreed on a valuation of €20m, but are debating over whether that should be up-front, or a €2m loan with an €18m obligation to buy, based on appearances.

Relations between the two clubs are good after the Kingsley Coman loan deal last summer, which is why Bayern are so willing to negotiate with the Old Lady.

For his part, Benatia is reportedly willing to drop his wage from €2.2m to €2m in order to push the deal through, but he could ask for guarantees about playing time.

It’s likely he would be rotated with Andrea Barzagli, as the Italy defender is 35 now and has suffered injury problems in recent years, as has Benatia.

[Socrates 7963]

 

Juventus close on Benatia

 

http://www.football-italia.net/86640/juventus-close-benatia

Jul 1, 2016

Juventus are closing-in on the signing of Bayern Munich defender Mehdi Benatia, according to reports.

The Bianconeri have been consistently linked with the Moroccan defender this summer, with reports this week that the player had agreed to take a slight wage cut.

That just left the two clubs to negotiate the formula of the transfer, and Gianluca Di Marzio’s website now reports that a deal is very close.

If the move goes through, it’s expected to be a loan with an obligation to buy, with the total value of the transfer set at €18m.

Benatia would become the third signing of the summer for Juventus, following the arrivals of Miralem Pjanic and Dani Alves.

[Socrates 7963]

 

Reports: Juventus 'closing in' on deal for

Bayern Munich defender Medhi Benatia

 

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/7/1/12077322/medhi-benatia

-juventus-bayern-munich-2016-serie-a-summer-transfer-rumors

Jul 1, 2016

With the official announcement that Martin Cáceres won't be a Juventus player next season, we now know that usual number of five central defenders has been knocked down to four. Being stuck on a quad isn't exactly something we've seen happen come the start of the season, with Juve's usual roster construction at five central defenders.

With one of Juve's long-standing defensive mainstays now on his way out, the need to fill the fifth defender spot is there again. Maybe, just maybe, there's a solid replacement coming in short order.

According to multiple reports out of Italy late Thursday and early Friday, Juventus and Bayern Muncih are closing in a deal that would see former Roma defender Medhi Benatia arrive on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy. You know, the kind of deal where Juve director general Beppe Marotta buys low on a player who has been good in the somewhat recent past and works in a way to make the deal a permanent one after a season or two. Yeah, one of those that can be defined with five simple letters — L.W.O.T.B.

Juventus has displayed interest in the player for a while, now the bianconeri have made steps forward and are closing in on the class of '87 Moroccan defender. Now it's time to negotiate with Bayern, in order to reach the desired solution (loan with obligation to buy). There is intent to close the deal, between loan and obligation to buy the move would cost around 18 million total.

(Source: Gianluca Di Marzio)

As is reportedly part of the deal, our friends at Bavarian Football Works point out that Benatia would likely be taking a pretty hefty pay cut if he were to make his way to Juventus. Seeing as how the deal would likely be constructed with an initial season on loan, it makes a whole lot of sense.

Since moving to Germany two summers ago, Benatia has struggled both with injuries and finding consistent playing time with the fact that Bayern is one of the deepest squads in all of Europe. He appeared in just 22 games in all competitions in the 2015-16 campaign — including the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16 against Juventus.

It's interesting, this move. Benatia is obviously a lot more skilled than what would be your typical fourth or fifth defender. And it's not like Juve are in desperate need for a quality first-choice backup behind Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini because Daniele Rugani exists and is obviously on an upward trajectory based on how he played in the second half of last season. Maybe there's a plan to rotate more next season. I don't know. This is why Max Allegri makes the big bucks and we're sitting here.

POLL

Medhi Benatia, what say you?

• 71%Good move!(150 votes)
   
• 29%Bad move!(62 votes)
   

212 votes total

[Socrates 7963]

 

Benatia all-clear for Juventus

 

http://www.football-italia.net/86666/benatia-all-clear-juventus

Jul 1, 2016

Bayern Munich have given the all-clear for Mehdi Benatia to join Juventus on loan with mandatory option to buy, it’s reported.

There were already suggestions this morning that the proposal was being considered and now La Gazzetta dello Sport claim it’s been given the go-ahead.

The former Roma defender is set to join Juventus on loan with mandatory option to buy at the end of the season for a total cost of around €18m.

The Morocco international is 29 years old and left Roma for Munich in 2014 for €28m.

His price-tag has dropped considerably since then, primarily due to injury concerns and a lack of regular playing time.

[Socrates 7963]

 

Medhi Benatia to complete Juventus move

 

http://www.juvefc.com/medhi-benatia-complete-juventus-move/?

Jul 1, 2016

Reports from Italy suggest Juventus are on the verge of completing a deal for Bayern Munich defender Medhi Benatia.

According to Sky Sport Italia, the Bianconeri have a deal in place with Bayern which would see the Moroccan defender join Juve on loan for the upcoming season.

Gazzetta Dello Sport report this afternoon that a loan deal has been given the all-clear and Benatia has agreed to the move.

Benatia would join the club on loan with a mandatory option to buy at the end of the 2016/17 season – The total deal would come close to €18m.

[Socrates 7963]

 

TRANSFER NEWS – JUVENTUS CLOSE IN ON BAYERN

OUTCAST AND ARSENAL TARGET MEDHI BENATIA

 

With the arrival of Mats Hummels from Dortmund, Medhi Benatia was always likely to seek a move elsewhere to get more playing time. Having been previously linked with a loan move back to Italy with Juventus, it seems now that the Moroccan is now close to signing with the Old Lady. 

 

http://www.thehardtackle.com/news/2016/07/01/transfer-news-

juventus-close-in-on-bayern-outcast-and-arsenal-target-medhi-benatia/?

Jul 1, 2016

Medhi Benatia was one of those players deeply admired by Juventus back during their time in Italy. The Old Lady had lacked the financial muscle to prize him away back then from their bitter rivals and fellow title contenders AS Roma. Arsenal were reportedly also in pursuit of the defender as they are looking to improve their side on all fronts.

The Tides Turning

The acquisition of Miralem Pjanic from Roma was more significant as a marker of changing times in Serie A. It was a statement of intent from Juventus, a statement asserting that they no longer have to care for diplomacy. Having missed out on so many talents before from Serie A, who have moved abroad, Juventus are no longer in an untoward financial position.

Benatia, however, is not the most sought after centre backs in the world but he certainly was one of the best during his time with the capital club before being sold to Bayern in the August of 2014 for a fee £23.9 million. Dogged by his injuries Benatia was very much pushed to the periphery of the team even before the arrival of Dortmund’s defensive stalwart having made only 14 appearances last season.

The Figures and Proceedings

Sky and Di Marzio reported yesterday that Juve were very close to securing the services of Benatia on loan with an obligation to buy in the future for €18 million (via IFD). La Repubblica more over reports that Benatia could also be taking a pay cut from €2.2m to €2m but wants guaranteed playing time (via Football-Italia)

Ex-La Masia youth Martin Caceras, who also had an injury-plagued campaign last season, has recently seen his contract expired, which means Juve are looking for a fifth centre back. However, that does not necessarily mean that Benatia will be the fifth choice for Juve. Allegri still uses Conte’s old 3-5-2 formation which accommodates three central defenders. With Chiellini being injury prone, Barzagli nearing 35 and Rugani still largely untested at the top level the onus will fall upon Benatia to marshal the defense alongside the hugely successful Leonardo Bonucci.

Allegri still uses Conte’s old 3-5-2 formation which accommodates three central defenders. With Chiellini being injury prone, Barzagli nearing 35 and Rugani still largely untested at the top level the onus will fall upon Benatia to marshal the defence alongside the hugely successful Leonardo Bonucci.

[Socrates 7963]

 

Juventus close to signing Bayern Munich's Medhi Benatia - reports

 

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/story/2907313/juventus-close-to-signing-bayern-munichs-medhi-benatia-reports

Jul 4, 2016

Medhi Benatia is set for a Serie A return with a move to Juventus, according to reports in Italy.

The Bayern Munich defender is reportedly on the verge of moving to theBianconeri on loan, two years after leaving their Serie A rivals Roma to join the Bavarians.

Juve are short on numbers at the back, with Martin Caceres set to depart the club this summer.

But the move for Benatia would ease the pressure on the Italian trio of Andrea Barzagli, Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci.

Juventus are set to sign Bayern Munich defender Medhi Benatia according to reports in Italy.

Benatia, 29, will join on a season-long loan -- according to Turin-based Tuttosport -- in a deal which will include an option to buy the player if he makes a certain number of appearances.

The Morocco international has won two Bundesliga titles in Germany, but has struggled to settle and has managed just 46 appearances over the course of his two seasons in Munich.

Benatia made a total of 113 Serie A appearances in previous spells at Udinese and Roma, scoring 11 goals.

[Socrates 7963]

 

Benatia to Juventus within days

 

http://www.football-italia.net/87070/benatia-juventus-within-days

Jul 9, 2016

Juventus will reportedly announce Medhi Benatia’s arrival from Bayern Munich over the next few days.

The defender is widely expected to make the transfer on loan with compulsory option to buy for around €18m.

La Gazzetta dello Sport claims he’ll sign a four-year contract worth €3m per season.

It should be announced formally on Tuesday or Wednesday,

The 29-year-old only left Roma for Bayern Munich in August 2014, but injuries saw him struggle to give his best.

[Socrates 7963]

 

Juve: Benatia and Götze

 

http://www.football-italia.net/87111/juve-benatia-and-gotze

Jul 10, 2016

Tuttosport suggest Juventus will ask Bayern Munich for both Medhi Benatia and Mario Götze.

It is well known that the Bianconeri are in advanced negotiations to take Benatia this summer in a loan deal with option to buy.

According to today’s edition of the Turin-based newspaper, he isn’t the only player on Beppe Marotta’s list.

When the two clubs meet to discuss Benatia next week, they will also bring up the status of Götze.

It was reported that the German international is ready to move on and Liverpool had seemed the most natural destination for a reunion with Jurgen Klopp.

However, Tottenham Hotspur and his old club Borussia Dortmund have emerged as strong contenders for his signature.

Juventus had been tracking Götze for some time and could well attempt another push for the versatile 24-year-old.

He can play as a support striker, out wide, as a False 9 or in the trequartista role behind the strikers that Coach Max Allegri has been looking for.

Götze is expected to cost in the region of €24m and will favour a club where he gets regular playing time.

[Socrates 7963]

 

Benatia: Juventus or Milan?

 

http://www.football-italia.net/87263/benatia-juventus-or-milan

Jul 12, 2016

Sky Sport Italia claim Medhi Benatia is still deciding between Juventus and Milan after Bayern Munich set terms.

The defender struggled to make his mark in the Bundesliga after moving from Roma two years ago.

According to pundit Gianluca Di Marzio, Juventus have agreed terms with Bayern Munich to take him on loan with option to buy for €20m.

However, Milan are pushing hard to convince Benatia he’s better off at San Siro.

He would be guaranteed regular playing time at Milan, even if they failed to qualify for Europe.

The Rossoneri are building a new squad under Coach Vincenzo Montella and are in the process of a takeover by a Chinese conglomerate.

[Socrates 7963]

 

Report: Benatia to Juve is done

 

http://www.football-italia.net/87314/report-benatia-juve-done

Jul 13, 2016

Juventus have agreed terms with Bayern Munich for Medhi Benatia, rejecting Milan interest, for a total of €20m.

According to Sky Sport Italia, the final details were worked out this evening.

Milan had hoped to intervene with their own proposal, but Juventus are ready to clinch the move with Bayern Munich.

It’ll be a loan with option to buy at the end of the season for a grand total of around €20m.

This is a return to Serie A for the Morocco international defender, who first found fame at Udinese and Roma.

[Socrates 7963]

 

Benatia set for Juventus medical

 

http://www.football-italia.net/87319/benatia-set-juventus-medical

Jul 13, 2016

There are reports Medhi Benatia will undergo his Juventus medical tomorrow morning after a €20m Bayern Munich deal.

Sky Sport Italia and several other sources suggest an agreement has been made to take Benatia on loan with an option to buy for a total of €20m.

The €18m option could become mandatory in 2017 after a certain number of appearances, on top of the €2m loan.

He'll be given a four-year contract worth €3m per season.

However, Mediaset Premium and Sky Sport Italia claim the deal is €3m for the loan and the €17m option is not compulsory.

The Corriere dello Sport claims the 29-year-old defender will be in Turin on Thursday morning for his medical.

The Morocco international returns to Serie A two years after he left Roma for €28m.

He played in Italy with Udinese and Roma.

Benatia is coming in to replace Martin Caceres, who was released as a free agent.

His arrival does not mean the sale of Leonardo Bonucci to Manchester City is any more likely.

[Socrates 7963]

 

Juventus set to beat AC Milan to Benatia deal

 

The 29-year-old centre-back is likely to be confirmed in the coming days as Allegri's

latest recruit in Turin, while he will also keep young defender Rugani in the squad.

 

http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2016/07/13/25604112/-?

Jul 13, 2016

Bayern Munich defender Medhi Benatia is set to move on loan to Juventus, after the Serie A champions pipped rivals AC Milan to agree a temporary move. 

The Morocco international signs with Juve on a 12-month deal, after the clubs agreed the loan switch that also includes a purchase option worth €18 million. 

Coach Massimiliano Allegri was keen to complete the transfer before his team sets off on a tour of Asia and Australia, and unless negotiations face an unforeseen final hurdle the ex-Roma player will be presented in Turin in the coming days. 

Benatia played 46 times for Bayern in two seasons at the Bundesliga giants, scoring three goals. Despite forming a useful part of Pep Guardiola's squad, the defender struggled to reproduce his best form at the Allianz Arena, after wonderful spells at Roma and Udinese. 

But with Martin Caceres having left Turin and the first-choice defensive line of Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini advancing in years, Allegri has identified the Moroccan as a worthy back-up while he continues to encourage the development of young star Daniele Rugani. 

Benatia's arrival, however, will not change the club's stance on the 21-year-old, who is not for sale. Napoli are one of the teams that have shown an interest, but any enquiries from Maurizio Sarri's team are likely to fall on deaf ears.

[Socrates 7963]

 

Benatia has Juventus medicals

 

http://www.football-italia.net/87329/benatia-has-juventus-medicals

Jul 14, 2016

Moroccan central defender Medhi Benatia has landed in Turin and is having his medicals with Juventus.

The 29-year-old will be expected to act as a super-sub in the famous BBC backline at the Old Lady, after only two years with Bayern Munich.

The player has now been spotted reaching the JMedical centre in Turin, where he is set to take his medical exams. A small crowd of supporters was there to greet him upon his arrival.

Juventus themselves confirmed that his medicals are now underway by a statement on their Twitter profile.

Once the exams are complete, he will sign an official contract with the Turin giants. He should be earning €2.9m per season, which will be raised to €3.2m with the bonuses.

[Socrates 7963]

 

TRANSFER NEWS: BAYERN MUNICH DEFENDER MEDHI BENATIA

SET TO UNDERGO JUVENTUS MEDICAL

 

Former AS Roma defender Medhi Benatia is on the verge of making his comeback to the Serie A.

The Bayern Munich defender has arrived in Turin ahead of a loan move to Italian champions Juventus. 

 

http://www.thehardtackle.com/news/2016/07/14/transfer-news-

bayern-munich-defender-medhi-benatia-set-to-undergo-juventus-medical/?

Jul 14, 2016

After two dismal seasons at the home of the German champions Bayern Munich, centre-back Medhi Benatia is geared to return to the Serie A and join forces with Massimiliano Allegri at Juventus. As reported by Sky Sport Italia (h/t Football Italia), the Italian champions have agreed terms with the Moroccan international and will sign the player on loan with an option to buy at the end of the season. According to the club’s official Twitter handle, the 29-year-old has arrived in Turin on Thursday and is set to undergo a medical shortly.

Benatia will be the Bianconeri’s third signing of the summer following the acquisitions of Dani Alves from Barcelona and Miralem Pjanic from Roma. He would certainly add depth to the already world class Juve defence, and may even replace Andrea Barzagli in the coming seasons as the Italy international is already 35.

Benatia cut a sorry figure at the Allianz Arena as he struggled for game time due to injury and poor form, featuring just 14 times in the Bundesliga in the 2015/16 season. According to WhoScored, in the 960 minutes clocked on the field of play, Benatia averaged 2.4 interceptions and 2.3 clearances per game. His sky-high pass accuracy of 89.1 per cent would come to good use given the tactical and defensive nature of Italy’s top tier.

How does Benatia fare compared to the current Juventus centre-backs?

Credits: Squawka

Despite being somewhat of an outcast at Bayern, Benatia’s 2015/16 stats are pretty impressive when compared to the Juventus defenders. The Moroccan has averaged more interceptions than the four centre-backs, and also has the best pass completion rate of 89 per cent. Benatia’s tall and physical frame has seen him win a considerable amount of aerial duels — 4.51 per game. The Old Lady’s Giorgio Chiellini is a distant second with only 1.81.

He would be a decent signing for Allegri, who needs somebody to play as a deputy to the defensive trio of Bonucci, Barzagli and Chiellini. Also, given the fact that Bonucci is linked with a big money move to Manchester City and that Daniele Rugani too may be headed to the Premier League, it is the right time for someone like Medhi Benatia to step in and take charge of the Bianconeri back line.

[Socrates 7963]

 

Benatia signing delayed?

 

http://www.football-italia.net/87356/benatia-signing-delayed

Jul 14, 2016

Medhi Benatia may not officially join Juventus until tomorrow, due to passport problems and an extended medical.

The Bayern Munich defender is in Turin to sign for the Bianconeri, and has been taking his medical at the J Medical centre.

The rigorous medical tests have taken some time, with a delay for Benatia to have lunch, but it’s not thought there are any problems.

In addition, the Moroccan international had a small bureaucratic issue with his passport, but calciomercato.it reports that this has now been resolved.

While the deal will still go ahead, it’s now expected to be made official tomorrow morning, rather than today.

Benatia has therefore been unable to join up with his new teammates, who are training at Vinovo.

[Socrates 7963]

 

Official: Juventus sign Benatia

http://www.football-italia.net/87344/official-juventus-sign-benatia

Jul 15, 2016

Juventus have officially confirmed the signing of Medhi Benatia, on loan with option to buy for a total €20m.

The Bayern Munich centre-back arrived in Turin to take his medicals yesterday morning, and after a slight delay he has now been announced as a Bianconeri player.

“Juventus Football Club can this evening confirm that Medhi Benatia has joined the club on a season-long loan deal from Bayern Munich for a fee of €3 million, to be paid at the international transfer release,” read a statement.

“The agreement also provides Juventus with the option to purchase the defender on a permanent basis for a price of €17 million, to be paid over two financial years. This option must be exercised before 30 May 2017.”

Crucially, this is an option and is therefore not mandatory.

The 29-year-old spent four seasons in Serie A with Udinese and Roma, before leaving the Giallorossi to join Bayern in 2014.

Injuries limited his impact in Bavaria, however, and Benatia made just 11 Bundesliga starts last season.

"He expressed a desire to return to Italy. We wish him well," said Bayern Munich chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.