Juventus enter the final weekend of the Serie A season with everything on the line—Champions League qualification, pride in the Derby della Mole, and the contractual futures of several key players. The club has deliberately paused all renewal discussions until after Sunday’s clash against Torino, a decision that underscores both the high stakes of the match and the uncertainty surrounding the squad’s composition next season. With a top-four finish still mathematically possible, the outcome could trigger a cascade of decisions that reshape the Bianconeri’s project under Thiago Motta.
The reasoning is twofold. First, from a motivational standpoint, the club wants every ounce of focus on securing three points in a derby that carries historical significance and direct implications for the Champions League race. Should Roma or Milan slip up in their final fixtures, Juventus could sneak into Europe’s elite competition, which would dramatically alter the financial landscape and, by extension, the budget for wages and transfers. Second, any renewal agreed now would be premature if the team fails to qualify, as the technical direction and financial parameters might need to be revised entirely.
Pierre Kalulu’s case is the most straightforward. The French defender, still under contract until 2029, has been a rare bright spot in a turbulent campaign, displaying consistency and versatility across the backline. Currently earning €2.5 million net per season, he is in line for a raise that would bring him into the €4 million bracket alongside recently renewed players like Manuel Locatelli and Weston McKennie. Talks are expected to resume immediately after the derby, and there is little doubt a deal will be struck given Kalulu’s importance to the project.
Khephren Thuram, another Frenchman, is in a similar position. His contract also runs to 2029, with a salary believed to be around €2 million net—a figure that now seems undervalued given his contributions in midfield. Initial discussions between his father and club directors have already taken place, with a mutual understanding to reconvene once the season concludes. The 23-year-old’s blend of physicality and technique makes him a cornerstone for the future, but any agreement hinges on the club’s ability to offer a competitive package aligned with their European status.
The situation surrounding Gleison Bremer is more delicate. The Brazilian center-back, who earns €5 million net, has publicly voiced his ambition for both a salary increase and a team capable of competing at the highest level. With his contract not expiring soon, Juventus face a dilemma: meet his demands or risk losing him to a club willing to pay a premium. Should an attractive offer arrive, the club might opt to cash in rather than commit to a costly renewal, especially if Champions League football is not secured.
Then there is Dušan Vlahović, the striker whose contract saga has dominated headlines. His deal expires in June 2026, meaning this summer represents the last window where Juventus can command a significant fee. The Serbian’s relationship with the club has cooled, and without the lure of Champions League football, the chances of an extension appear slim. A sale seems increasingly likely, with the club needing to recoup a portion of the €80 million investment made in 2022. The derby could be his final home appearance in black and white.
Less dramatically, Arkadiusz Milik’s departure is already sealed. The Polish forward, who has another year on his contract, will not be part of the plans regardless of what unfolds against Torino. His exit is one of the few certainties in an otherwise foggy future for Juventus’ attacking department, which could see a complete overhaul if Vlahović departs and young talents like Kenan Yıldız are thrust into leading roles.
The ripple effects extend far beyond individual players. A failure to qualify for the Champions League would cost the club tens of millions in revenue, forcing a more austere approach in the transfer market. It could also jeopardize Motta’s position, even after just one season, and accelerate the exodus of other high-earners like Federico Chiesa, whose deal is also under scrutiny. Conversely, a surprise top-four finish would unlock the budget needed to not only retain key assets but also reinforce the squad for a return to Scudetto contention.
From a league-wide perspective, this final day carries immense weight. Roma and Milan are locked in a three-way battle with Juventus for the remaining Champions League spots, and any stumble could reshuffle the hierarchy. The Derby della Mole thus serves as a microcosm of Serie A’s competitive tension, with the Bianconeri’s short-term decisions mirroring the longer-term strategies of clubs navigating the post-pandemic financial landscape.
As the countdown to kickoff begins, the message from the club is clear: all discussions are on ice until the final whistle. Whether that whistle signals triumph or disappointment will determine not just the mood in Turin for the summer, but possibly the entire trajectory of one of Italy’s most storied institutions. Based on reporting from Tuttosport.
