Juventus want to offload João Mário, return to Portugal on the cards | OneFootball

João Mário may have his 'days numbered' at Juventus, approximately six months after being signed from FC Porto for around 12 million euros, in a deal that involved the reverse transfer of Alberto Costa to Dragão for 15 million euros (plus one million euros in bonuses).

According to the Italian newspaper Tuttosport, the Portuguese international has yet to convince either coach Luciano Spalletti or the Juventus management, who intend to take advantage of the remaining winter market to find him a new destination where he can showcase his recognized qualities.

The goal is to finalize the permanent departure of the right-back (with a contract valid until June 2030), although the possibility of a loan is not entirely ruled out – a scenario that would possibly require Juventus to make an effort to contribute to a salary of around two million euros net per season.

During this window, concrete proposals have arrived in Turin, notably from two Spanish clubs and two other Portuguese clubs. However, the 26-year-old player has been 'reluctant', still believing he has time to establish himself in Italian football.

FC Porto is attentive

FC Porto is following this process closely, not necessarily with the ambition of bringing João Mário back, but because they retained the right to receive 10% of any profit from a potential future sale – a possibility that, given the circumstances, may materialize soon.

Born in São João da Madeira, the international began at Sanjoanense before joining FC Porto in 2009, at just nine years old. He 'climbed' through the youth ranks there, including a loan to Padroense, until making his first-team debut in 2020 under the management of Sérgio Conceição.

In total, he played 181 games for FC Porto, scoring five goals and providing 25 assists. At the Vecchia Signora, he has been less fortunate: he has made only 13 appearances so far, with one assist and no goals.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.