Carlos Alcaraz admits he ‘did not believe it’ when he heard that Italian giants Juventus were keen to take him away from Championship outfit Southampton during the January transfer window.
England’s second tier appears to have become something of a breeding ground for the next set of Serie A stars of late, Juventus bringing Carlos Alcaraz to Turin during a time in which Lazio were setting their sights on Sunderland’s Jack Clarke and Plymouth Argyle talisman Morgan Whittaker.
According to reports, Lazio are already preparing another assault on the Black Cats. 17-year-old Jobe Bellingham is also an object of their affections.
Alcaraz, then, could take on something of a posterboy role amongst Italian-based clubs looking at the Championship in pursuit of somewhat left-field signings. The all-action Argentine joined Juventus in the final few days of the window, moving on an initial loan deal which could be turned into a permanent £43 million transfer should Alcaraz succeed in bringing his tenacity and game-breaking technique to Max Allegri’s table.
“My agent Sebastian (Lopez) was in Southampton with me,” Alcaraz tells DAZN, explaining how his shock switch came about. “We were about to eat and they called him to tell him about Juve’s interest. I didn’t believe it, but neither did he, who was negotiating with other English clubs.”
Alcaraz was linked with Premier League strugglers Nottingham Forest before putting pen to paper with Juve. Forest landed Gio Reyna on loan from Dortmund instead.
“The next day, they (Juventus) made an offer,” the former Racing Club youngster adds. “And then it became reality and, in two days, here we are. Two hours later I called my mother. The whole family was happy.”
Saints march on towards the Premier League
Alcaraz made his Juventus debut off the bench during last week’s 1-0 defeat to Serie A leaders Inter Milan.
Southampton, second in the Championship and making it four wins in a row, do not appear to be missing the skilful South American just yet, January signings David Brooks and Joe Rothwell shining in Saturday’s 5-3 comeback victory over Huddersfield Town at St Mary’s.
