Juventus overhauls goalkeeper position: Di Gregorio loaned out and Grabara arrives as Vicario's backup

Juventus is undergoing a complete transformation in goal as the transfer window closes. The Turin side had set its sights on Argentina's Emiliano 'Dibu' Martínez for this season, but Aston Villa's steep demands made the deal impossible. Faced with that situation, the Bianconeri moved quickly and, exactly one week ago, secured the loan signing of Italian goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario from Tottenham. The 29-year-old made his debut in the first Serie A matchday against Frosinone.

• Michele Di Gregorio, last season's starter, leaves on loan to Bournemouth for €1.3 million with a €12.5 million purchase option.
• Kamil Grabara, a 27-year-old Polish keeper from Wolfsburg, arrives in Turin on loan with a buy option worth around €12 million.
• Mattia Perin, 33, is heading to Palermo in Serie B.
• Dibu Martínez was the top target, but Aston Villa's asking price was too high for Juventus.

Vicario makes debut with injury scare in opening match

The Italian shot-stopper wasted no time taking over the Juventus goal. In the league opener against Frosinone, Vicario was named in the starting eleven, but his performance was overshadowed by discomfort that forced him to be substituted in added time. Mattia Perin replaced him, though the veteran keeper will not remain at the club much longer.

Di Gregorio heads to the Premier League

Michele Di Gregorio, who had been the undisputed starter in goal last season, is moving on at the age of 29. Bournemouth announced his arrival on loan this Friday. The Cherries will pay €1.3 million for the temporary deal and hold an option to buy set at €12.5 million. In England, he will compete for the starting spot with Djordje Petrovic.

Grabara, the new understudy for Vicario

To fill the void left by Di Gregorio and Perin's expected departure, Juventus has turned to Kamil Grabara. The 27-year-old Polish goalkeeper has already arrived in Turin after leaving Wolfsburg. Italian outlets report the deal is a loan with a purchase option of around €12 million, a reasonable figure for the Bianconeri's project.

The story behind Grabara's protective mask

Grabara is easily recognizable on the pitch thanks to the protective mask he has worn since 2022. That year, during a match between FC Copenhagen and Aalborg, he was involved in a violent collision with Mathias Ross that left him with multiple facial fractures. The goalkeeper underwent surgery to have titanium plates and screws implanted, and he missed two months of action. Since then, the mask has become a permanent part of his matchday gear.

What is at stake for Juventus with this new goalkeeping setup

This overhaul between the posts is not a whim. Juventus needs to rebuild a crucial position after an inconsistent season. Vicario's arrival brings international experience and immediate competition, while Grabara offers youth and long-term potential. Di Gregorio's exit, once a regular starter, is tied to the need for financial relief and future revenue through a potential sale.

With Perin close to joining Palermo and Dibu Martínez ruled out for financial reasons, the club's sporting direction has opted for a short-term plan: two goalkeepers with complementary profiles and a controlled investment. If both impress, the purchase options will allow Juventus to make the moves permanent without compromising the club's finances.

Frequently asked questions about Juventus' goalkeeper situation