Stephan Lichtsteiner will choose to remain at Juventus this season, despite offers from Turkish champions Beskitas.
The Swiss international has been the subject of interest from a number of sides throughout the summer, starting with Ligue 1 side Nice who reportedly had an agreement in place with the player.
Lichtsteiner resolved to remain in Turin for the season ahead, turning down a series of offers, but he’s been the subject of a late bid from Turkish side Beskitas. Given that the transfer window in Turkey doesn’t close until Friday, a last minute move to the Super Lig was still an option.
Despite an attractive proposal, Gazzetta Dello Sport report that Lichtsteiner turned down the offer to remain at Juventus. The Italian paper suggests that the Swiss Express is more interested in staying in Turin to fight for a place in the squad, despite being left out of the Champions League squad for the second season in a row.
The exclusion led the player to take to his social media accounts last week to make his feelings known, expressing his disappointment in a statement on Facebook and Instagram:
“My exclusion from the Champions League list? This is obviously a hard blow and a huge disappointment.
“That’s life – the important thing is not how often you fall, but how many times you find the strength to get up, roll up your sleeves, keep fighting and never give up.
“Now, more than ever, I will keep on giving my all to honour this jersey!”
Corriere dello Sport also report that Lichtsteiner has turned down a prospective offer from Beskitas, suggesting that he refused the move due to his love for the Bianconeri and a desire to play his way back into the Champions League squad. Despite choosing to remain, the 33-year-old’s contract is set to expire next summer, meaning that he will be free to talk with other interested clubs in the winter transfer window and is able to sign a pre-contract agreement in February, should Juve opt to not extend his current deal.
Despite a long stay in Turin and being a key part of Juve’s success over the last 6 seasons, it’s expected the player will be allowed to depart on a free transfer next summer as Juve are in the hunt for a new, long-term right-back option to join Mattia De Sciglio at the club. Youngsters Pol Lirola and Leonardo Spinazzola are both considered options for the position.
He is auch real Juventino and doesn’t deserve the treatment. He should be part of the CL squad.