Champions League
€42m Juventus bid tests Roma's transfer resolve in summer market
Juventus, the Serie A club, tabled a €42m offer plus €8m in bonuses for Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar, a deal that would have settled the Roman side's UEFA accounts by 30 June. Roma declined the proposal, refusing to strengthen a direct rival ahead of their Champions League campaign.
Italian media reported Juventus' interest, with the Roman daily Il Messaggero providing the most detailed account. The outlet noted that talks moved from initial discussions to a formal bid after the clubs exchanged overtures.
The formal offer comprised a €42m base fee and an additional €8m in performance-related bonuses. Juventus presented the package as a single transaction intended to secure Svilar's services.
According to the report, the financial terms would have enabled Roma to clear outstanding UEFA obligations before the June deadline. The club's accounting deadline was a key factor in the negotiations.
Roma rejected the bid, citing the unwillingness to bolster a direct competitor in the league. The decision reflected the club's strategic priority of maintaining a competitive edge.
The Roman side will compete in the Champions League, and the Friedkin ownership regards Svilar as a cornerstone of their project. The club's leadership believes the keeper's value exceeds the amount on the table.
Roma's refusal underscores their resolve to stand firm despite Financial Fair Play pressures. The Friedkin group previously demonstrated similar resolve last summer when Inter pursued Manu Kone.
The report also questions whether Juventus truly made such a sizable upfront offer, noting the club's typical reluctance to provide large guaranteed fees. This uncertainty adds another layer to the transfer saga.