Felipe Anderson shocked Juventus when it was announced that he’d decided to join Palmeiras on a free transfer despite months of rumours, so what happened?
The 31-year-old Brazilian winger has just over two months left on his contract with Lazio and despite their desire to keep him, offering a new five-year deal, he has long been expected to leave on a free transfer in the summer.
Juventus director Crisitano Giuntoli has been interested in Felipe Anderson for months now and recent reports suggested that a verbal agreement had been reached with his entourage ahead of the summer, making it a surprise when it was announced that he’d be joining Palmeiras in the summer.
Felipe Anderson decision
La Gazzetta dello Sport details why Felipe Anderson decided to snub Juventus in order to join Palmeiras on a free transfer in the summer, starting with the club’s strategy.
Giuntoli has long made it clear that the Bianconeri were planning to finalise the deal for the 31-year-old at the end of the season, not wanting to rush or quickly increase figures to push through an immediate agreement.
Whilst Juventus were playing the waiting game, Felipe Anderson was waiting to learn his future, keen to confirm his next steps. In addition to a new contract offer from Lazio last week, Palmeiras emerged with a concrete and convincing offer, which ultimately pushed him to accept the proposal.