Who is Carlos Alcaraz? Argentine joins Juventus from Southampton on loan
Juventus have signed Carlos Alcaraz from Southampton on loan until the end of the season. Alcaraz will join on an initial loan worth €3.9m and Juventus will have an option to make the transfer permanent for an additional €46m. The transfer was concluded late Wednesday night after the player completed his initial medical in London.
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Alcaraz opted to stay at Southampton in the summer despite interest from Benfica and South American clubs and signed an improved five year contract at St Marys in October. The midfielder joined the Saints from Racing Club in January 2023 for a €13.65m fee. He has impressed in a Southampton shirt, but finds himself currently out of manager Russell Martin’s first team plans. Alcaraz has, however, been trialled as a false nine this season, with six of his 23 Championship appearances coming in that position. His natural style as a more combative midfielder means he hasn’t always fitted Martin’s possession-based philosophy.
The 21 year old subsequently received his first call-up to the Argentina side last October, but didn’t make an appearance. Alcaraz has played 23 league games for Southampton this season, scoring three goals, and has a current market value of €15m. Southampton's potential loss could be eased by the loan signing of David Brooks from South coast rivals Bournemouth.
Why do Juventus want Alcaraz?
Juventus are currently second in Serie A, behind rivals Inter Milan. Juve usually line up in a 3-5-2 formation under Massimiliano Allegri with three central midfielders. There current options in the middle of the park include Manuel Locatelli, (Market value: €33m) Weston Mckennie (MV: €23m) Fabio Miretti (MV: €15m) and Adrien Rabiot (MV: €40m) who is currently injured with a calf problem. Both midfielders Paul Pogba and Nicoló Fagioli are unavailable at this moment in time. Pogba tested positive for testosterone and is serving a doping ban, whilst Fagioli is serving a seven month ban due to doping for breaching betting rules.
Transfermarkt Area Manager Italy Jatin Dietl tells us more on why Juventus want Alcaraz: "Right now Juventus are missing two key midfielders as they have Pogba and Fagioli out for doping and betting. They have been searching for a midfielder for weeks, but were unable to spend more then €2 or €3m this January. Alcaraz is just the type of player they need and could do very well in Italy, as he seems very suited to the league and style of play."
- Date of birth/Age:
- Nov 30, 2002 (21)
- Nat.:
- Current club:
- Juventus FC
- Contract until:
- Jun 30, 2024
- Position:
- Central Midfield
- Market Value:
- €15.00m
- Total Market Value:
- €490.20m
- Competition:
- Serie A
- Position:
- 3.
- Manager:
- Massimiliano Allegri
- Squad size:
- 27
- Latest Transfer:
- Carlos Alcaraz
- Total Market Value:
- €189.90m
- Competition:
- Championship
- Position:
- 4.
- Manager:
- Russell Martin
- Squad size:
- 25
- Latest Transfer:
- David Brooks