Michele Di Gregorio has completed a season-long loan move from Juventus to Bournemouth, the Premier League club confirmed on Monday. The 29-year-old goalkeeper will compete with Djordje Petrovic for the starting spot at Vitality Stadium.
Bournemouth will not pay a loan fee but will cover Di Gregorio's full salary. The deal includes an option to make the move permanent for £12m, plus a further £2.5m in add-ons. Should the Cherries choose not to trigger the buy option, they will owe Juventus a £1m penalty fee.
"I'm very happy to be here," Di Gregorio said after passing his medical on Monday. "This is a very important moment for me and that's why I think the decision to come here to Bournemouth was the right one. I felt the club's desire to have me here and I felt the ambition that this club has to continue to grow and do great things. The Premier League is the most beautiful league in the world. It's an honour for me to be here and to have the chance to play in it."
Di Gregorio joined Juventus in the summer of 2024 after starring for Monza, making his debut in a 3-0 victory over Como on 19 August that year. Over two seasons in Turin, the Italian made 84 appearances in all competitions and kept 36 clean sheets, establishing himself as one of Serie A's most consistent shot-stoppers.
His departure frees up space in Juventus's goalkeeping department, where the club has already moved to bring in Kamil Grabara as a new option. Mattia Perin, another backup keeper, completed a move to Palermo on Tuesday.
For Bournemouth, Di Gregorio arrives as insurance behind Petrovic, who took over as first-choice following the departure of Neto last season. The Italian's experience at the top level of Serie A and his composure with the ball at his feet are expected to make him a strong competitor for minutes.
The move represents a significant step in Di Gregorio's career, with the Premier League widely regarded as the most competitive league in world football. At 29, the goalkeeper is entering his prime years and will be eager to prove himself on the English stage.
Sources
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cqlw3wypl30o
- https://www.juventus.com/it/news/articoli/ufficiale-di-gregorio-in-prestito-al-bournemouth
