Juventus have decided to terminate the contracts of Gonzalo Higuain and Sami Khedira, according to Fabrizio Romano.
New manager Andrea Pirlo has decided that neither player fits in with his project to take the club forwards.
Juventus to Terminate Gonzalo Higuain and Sami Khedira Contracts
Pirlo Ushering in the Changes
Wholesale changes in the way the Italian club operates on the pitch are expected following the departure of Maurizio Sarri as manager.
Pirlo wants to revitalise and reinvigorate the playing staff, an outcome of which is already evident in the number of departures from the Turin club.
Though the summer transfer window is in its early stages, Juventus have already negotiated the departure of Blaise Matuidi on a free transfer to Inter Miami. Higuain and Khedira will follow the French midfielder out of the exit door.
Both players still have a year to go on their contracts, meaning talks are now underway regarding severance payoffs.
Higuain is likely to leave a bigger void at the club than Khedira. The Argentine made 32 appearances in Serie A last season, scoring eight goals. Khedira, meanwhile, only made 12 league appearances for the club in 2019/20.
Aaron Ramsey Not Expected to Leave This Summer
Further departures from the club this summer are not to be ruled out. Welsh international Aaron Ramsey, however, will not be going anywhere ahead of the new season.
Ramsey’s future had been uncertain. However, it is thought that his status as a relatively new arrival – plus his high wages being problematic for any potential buyers – means he is guaranteed at least another season with the Italian champions.
41-year-old manager Pirlo is thought to be targeting a new striker to partner Cristiano Ronaldo, plus new additions to an otherwise stale midfield following the departures of Matuidi and Khedira.
Brazilian midfielder Arthur has already joined The Old Lady ahead of the new season. The swap deal Juventus struck with Barcelona to bring him to the club sees Miralem Pjanic go the other way.
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images