Juventus’ best signing was perhaps the most unexpected. Because Francisco Conceicao did not arrive to be the undisputed starter, but a good alternative to Nico Gonzalez and, perhaps, also Yildiz on the other flank. Instead, his sprint and lightness, especially in the offensive phase, meant that he carved out an indispensable place for himself. The only one, in these first months of Motta’s reign, to give a change of speed, an aura of unpredictability which translates not so much into goals, but into assists and penalties awarded.
But now another chapter in the story opens. Because the goodness of his performances meant that Cristiano Giuntoli, the Juventus technical director, decided to want to buy him back from Porto. There is a termination clause of 30 million euros which can also be activated next summer, even if there is an intention to bring it forward. Maybe to save something, two or three million that can be used for other situations.
Juventus managed to get ahead of the competition also by exploiting a family issue. Because Sergio, the father, was the coach of Porto, sacked after the arrival of Villas Boas as president. So, after the coach’s farewell, Chico also preferred to take other paths. Francisco Conceicao turns 22 today.