Rugani Set for Fiorentina Return as Juventus Seek Wage Relief

FolioPitch.com – 06 July 2026 | The Fiorentina return for Rugani as Juventus look to cut wage bill is back on the agenda, with fresh talks between the two Serie A clubs reigniting a deal that fell through just weeks ago. According to reports, Juventus are eager to offload Daniele Rugani’s salary from their books, and Fiorentina are once again in the market for a seasoned defender after considering the sale of Pietro Comuzzo.

Rugani spent the second half of last season on loan at Fiorentina, arriving in the winter window on a €500,000 paid loan with an obligation to buy for €2 million. The clause was conditional on Fiorentina avoiding relegation and Rugani making a set number of appearances. While the Viola stayed up, the appearances clause was not triggered, allowing them to walk away from the purchase. Now, with Comuzzo potentially heading out, Fiorentina sporting director Fabio Paratici has reopened talks with Juventus CEO Giovanni Carnevali to devise a cheaper formula.

The Fiorentina return for Rugani as Juventus look to cut wage bill represents a pragmatic solution for both sides. Rugani is under contract at Juventus until June 2028, earning €1.8 million net per season. The gross cost of his remaining wages totals €6.6 million, a burden the Bianconeri are determined to shed. Fiorentina, meanwhile, need an experienced center-back to offset the probable departure of Comuzzo, and Rugani already knows the environment from his loan spell.

The negotiations are centered on lowering the transfer fee. Originally agreed at €2 million, Fiorentina are pushing for a significantly reduced sum, perhaps even a free transfer or a nominal fee, in exchange for taking on Rugani’s wages. Juventus are open to this structure as it would allow them to book immediate savings on the salary bill, which is a priority for the club’s financial restructuring.

Rugani, 30, has been a peripheral figure at Juventus for several seasons, with the club signing younger defenders like Gleison Bremer and Federico Gatti. His experience and professionalism, however, make him a valuable asset for a side like Fiorentina that aims to climb the table under new coach Raffaele Palladino. The defender featured sporadically in his previous stay, but a full pre-season could help him cement a starting role.

The Fiorentina return for Rugani as Juventus look to cut wage bill also highlights the strengthening transfer axis between the two clubs. Juventus and Fiorentina have done business frequently in recent years, with players like Federico Chiesa and Luca Ranieri moving between them. This time, the deal is driven by financial necessity rather than sporting ambition. For Juventus, every euro saved on wages is crucial as they aim to comply with UEFA Financial Fair Play regulations and invest in new signings. For Fiorentina, it is a low-risk move to add depth to their defense without committing a big fee.

Fiorentina are expected to make a final decision in the coming days, with Paratici and Carnevali set to meet again. If the terms are finalized, Rugani could become the second player to join Fiorentina from Juventus this summer, following the earlier arrival of Nicolo Fagioli. The move would also free up space in Juventus’ squad for potential new arrivals, including a midfielder or winger.

In conclusion, the renewed pursuit of Daniele Rugani by Fiorentina underscores the shifting priorities in Italian football. As clubs grapple with financial constraints, deals that reduce wage bills and provide experienced reinforcements are becoming more common. The Fiorentina return for Rugani as Juventus look to cut wage bill appears to be a win-win for all parties, provided the two sides can agree on a revised transfer structure. Fans of the Viola will hope Rugani can bring stability to their backline, while Juventini will be happy to see his wages removed from the ledger.