Carlos Alcaraz’s agent is backing the Southampton loanee to progress under Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri before earning a £43 million permanent move to the Serie A champions.
Losing the Argentine was, of course, a blow to Russell Martin’s hopes of securing automatic promotion. But not a fatal one, it would seem.
OK, bottom of the table Rotherham United were hardly elite opposition. But Southampton still made light work of the Yorkshire outfit in their first Championship outing without Carlos Alcaraz, Ryan Fraser outstanding again and David Brooks making his Saints debut off the bench in the second half.
Brooks, terrific in the second-tier during his time with Bournemouth, could prove to be an inspired addition in Alcaraz’s absence.
The latter, after sealing a shock move to Juventus in the final few days of the window, donned his new colours over the weekend too, albeit in less celebratory circumstances as Allegri’s side went down 1-0 to Scudetto rivals Inter Milan.
Carlos Alcaraz leaves Southampton for Juventus
“He didn’t have the slightest hesitation (about joining Juventus),” agent Sebastian Lopez, who confirms interest from two unnamed Premier League clubs, tells Tuttosport.
“He knows perfectly well that this is a great opportunity for him, something he seeks with desire and determination.”
Lopez is backing Alcaraz to earn himself a more long-term stay in Turin too. Should Juventus trigger the clause in his contract, Southampton stand to earn a £30 million profit on a player who arrived from Racing Club 12 months ago.
Permanent deal will cost £43 million
“The loan with right to buy operation will allow Carlos to develop his qualities and help the team. Then, we’ll see in July (if Juventus sign him permanently),” Lopez adds.
“(To earn a full-time deal, he will do) what he has always done in his life. He will train at 100 per cent of his ability. With quality, making maximum effort, with the aspiration of wanting to go far, the hunger for victory, the desire to help other footballers win new titles for Juventus.”
“A coach with a great career (in Allegri), without a doubt, will be an extraordinary help in Carlos’ development.”
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