Juventus are still considering the possibility of keeping Francisco Conceição beyond the FIFA Club World Cup but only if the deal works on their terms.
The 22-year-old winger joined the Italian club from FC Porto last August on a dry loan, with the Turin side paying a total of €9 million in fees.
Conceição quickly found his rhythm under former manager Thiago Motta and was a regular starter in the first half of the season.
However, after Motta’s departure and Igor Tudor’s appointment, his playing time was reduced. Tudor initially preferred other options, but later began to value the Portuguese international’s creativity and intensity, which helped earn him more minutes again.
Despite a season marked by both promise and setbacks, Juventus extended Conceição’s loan to keep him through the Club World Cup. Yet, questions remain over a permanent move.
Reports from Italian media suggest that had Motta and sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli remained, Juventus may have already completed the signing. Now, things are far less certain.
The Bianconeri are still open to negotiating a transfer with Porto but they are unwilling to pay the €30 million release clause in his contract.
Juventus’ new General Director Damien Comolli is reportedly pushing for a reduced price, arguing that the €9 million already paid for the loan should be taken into account. If Porto agrees to revise the terms, the move could still go ahead.
A similar approach is expected in talks with Paris Saint-Germain regarding Randal Kolo Muani.
While Juventus cannot block Porto or PSG from selling their players to other clubs, they may benefit if the players themselves express a desire to remain in Turin.
Conceição is said to enjoy life at Juventus, and if he pushes for a permanent switch, the club may still get their way if Porto softens its stance on the transfer fee.
Juventus want Francisco Conceição to stay, but only at a reasonable cost. With a €30 million price tag deemed too high, the club is seeking better terms. Whether the deal goes through may depend on Porto’s flexibility and the player’s will.
