One last chance to shine: What could happen to the Serie A stars in the final year of their contracts?
While many of the new arrivals across Serie A this summer will be keen to start the 2024/25 season with a bang, several players entering the final year of their contracts will view the upcoming campaign, and even this summer's transfer window, as a crossroad for their career.
Whether expected to improve their team's title credentials, as with Federico Chiesa of Juventus, or the likes of Nicola Zalewski at AS Roma who has yet to fulfill his full potential after breaking into the first team, there are plenty with just under 12 months to carve themselves a brighter future.
Chiesa's last chance at Juventus
After an impressive debut campaign that included a Coppa Italia-winning goal in 2020/21, Chiesa’s Juventus career has stuttered along for three years and a serious knee injury in January 2022 can no longer be used to excuse the Italian’s inconsistent performances in Turin.
The 26-year-old earns €5 million a year, making him one of the Bianconeri’s highest earners. While it was thought that the ex-Fiorentina winger would accept a 12-month extension to maintain his salary, La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Juventus will only extend the contract for longer on reduced terms.
Rumours recently circulated that Bayern Munich could be interested in Chiesa, which would meet the attacker’s desire to compete at a similar level as the Bianconeri and not take a drop in wages, and explain why he quickly rejected an approach by Aston Villa last summer.
Thiago Motta arriving to coach Juventus could help the winger realise his undoubted potential and sign a long-term deal, but time appears to be running out to convince the club his future remains in Turin.
Is captain Calabria heading for the AC Milan exit?
With ongoing contract talks between club captain Davide Calabria and the AC Milan hierarchy having ended without an extension, the Rossoneri had started negotiating with Tottenham Hotspur for Emerson Royal.
But approaching his peak years, Calabria clearly expects his commitment, consistency and loyalty to receive more reward and might even consider a move away from his childhood club as an opportunity to increase his chances with the Italy Men’s National Team, after missing out on the 2024 European Championship squad.
His agent has been clear that an increase of his €2.2m salary is required to have Calabria return to negotiations, but a renewal before the commencement of the campaign looks unlikely.
If no agreement is found by January, a cut-price exit could materialise in the winter transfer window to ensure a small return.
No future for Amrabat at Fiorentina
Although Sofyan Amrabat still appears listed as a Red Devil on the Manchester United website, even wearing the 2024/25 home shirt, the Moroccan midfielder is technically a Fiorentina player again after the loan agreement ended without the Premier League club activating their purchase option.
After his performances for Hellas Verona brought a step up to the Viola and his country’s journey to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals ultimately ensured a bumper pay rise to €4m-a-year after joining the Red Devils, Amrabat’s wages will more than halve if he returns and remains in Florence.
If they can negotiate the reduced transfer fee and salary, you cannot rule out a return to Manchester United. However, the Moroccan staying in Italy appears to be unlikely, with Turkish giants Galatasaray reported to be a welcome suitor and others watching the situation closely.
Differing fortunes for Zalewski and El Shaarawy at AS Roma
AS Roma duo Nicola Zalewski and Stephen El Shaarawy are at very different ends of their careers, but the former appears surplus to requirements in Rome under the guidance of coach Daniele De Rossi and in need of regular playing time, and could see him depart before the 2024/25 campaign starts.
The Polish full-back started every game for his country at Euro 2024 and the Giallorossi are considering using the 22-year-old to finance incoming signings, as losing the youngster’s €500k-a-year salary will have a much smaller impact than a significant transfer fee.
In contrast, and despite a woeful showing in Italy’s Round of 16 loss during the summer, the 31-year-old El Shaarawy could yet remain in the capital, having already signed a one-year extension last summer on significantly reduced wages.
Since taking the Giallorossi reins, his former teammate De Rossi has provided the attacker with more opportunities than predecessor Jose Mourinho, but this could still be his final year at the Stadio Olimpico unless they agree on another wage reduction before the campaign ends.
Will Miranchuk be squeezed out of Atalanta this summer?
When Aleksei Miranchuk held the Europa League trophy above his head in Dublin, he would have been proud of his contribution across the 2023/24 season - more for reaching double figures for assists, than for scoring just three goals in all competitions.
With the performances of Charles De Ketelaare largely limiting the opportunities and impact of the Russian attacker, the arrival of Nicolo Zaniolo means playing time is going to be even harder to come by in Bergamo this term. Therefore, Miranchuk could depart before the start of the season and bring some cash into the Atalanta accounts.
MLS side DC United have enquired about his availability and Atlanta United have also been interested, but the attacker would prefer to remain in Europe at this stage and with twin brother Anton recently joining Trabzonspor after the end of his contract with Lokomotiv Moscow, some have suggested a family reunion in Turkey could take place.