Tiago Djaló, once a coveted target for Serie A giants Inter and Juventus, finds himself in a challenging situation as he seeks redemption with AS Roma under the guidance of Daniele De Rossi. With the imminent arrival of Pierre Kalulu at Juventus, Djaló’s prospects for game time in Turin are rapidly dwindling. His representatives have been proactive, reaching out to several clubs, including Roma, who showed fresh interest yesterday by contacting Juventus to discuss a possible transfer.
Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli has reportedly been open to negotiations, considering a loan deal with an option to buy. The details still need to be worked out, with Juventus requesting €1 million for the loan, along with a €6 million purchase option plus potential bonuses and a sell-on percentage. Meanwhile, Roma is aiming to negotiate a higher buyout fee of €7 million while hoping to scrap the loan fee entirely. These terms could be settled in the coming hours, possibly even by the evening.
Djaló has expressed a strong willingness to make the move, which would mark his third club in Italy. The 24-year-old reportedly had a season in the youth teams of AC Milan and has been turning heads with his impressive physicality, standing at 190cm and weighing 85kg. He combines his size with remarkable speed and technical ability, having previously played as a defensive midfielder.
Last season at Lille, he excelled as one of the top defenders under 25 in Europe’s top five leagues, boasting an impressive pass completion rate of 94.6% and a forward passing success rate of 90.4%. His ability caught the attention of both Juventus and Inter, but the Bianconeri secured his signature by paying nearly €4 million to Lille six months before his contract expired.
However, his time in Turin has been disappointing, making only one appearance due to recovering from a serious knee injury sustained in March 2023. Born in Amadora, Lisbon, on April 9, 2000, Djaló hails from a family with a rich sporting background, with siblings involved in basketball and football. A passionate ping pong player and fan of Italian cuisine, he began his football journey at Sporting Lisbon before moving to Milan, where he struggled to settle.
His career took a turn when he was sent to Lille as part of the deal that brought Rafael Leão to Milan. At Lille, he flourished, playing a vital role in their remarkable 2021 Ligue 1 championship win against Paris Saint-Germain, which featured stars like Kylian Mbappé and Neymar. A notable incident on the pitch involved a heated exchange with Neymar, showcasing Djaló’s fiery spirit and determination to prove himself.
Moving to Roma could provide Djaló with the opportunities he desperately seeks to make a significant impact once again.
