Mattia Perin, the 34‑year‑old Italian international, has officially departed Juventus after eight years on the club’s books. The former Genoa keeper has signed a three‑year contract with Serie B outfit Palermo, with the Sicilian side paying just under €500,000 for his sporting rights.
From Turin to Palermo: the transfer details
The move was confirmed on Wednesday by both clubs. Palermo announced the acquisition on its official website, stating that Perin will join the Viale del Fante‑based team on a permanent basis. Sky Sport’s transfer analyst Gianluca Di Marzio reported the fee as slightly below €500,000, reflecting Palermo’s cautious spending in a league where financial prudence is essential.
Perin’s Juventus chapter
Perin arrived at Juventus in the summer of 2018 after a permanent deal with Genoa. Over the next eight seasons he made 70 appearances across all competitions, including 42 in Serie A. He spent most of his time as a backup, first to Wojciech Szczęsny, then to the legendary Gianluigi Buffon, and most recently behind Michele Di Gregorio. Despite limited minutes, he collected several league titles and a Champions League runners‑up medal, gaining valuable experience in high‑pressure environments.
Why Palermo chose Perin
Palermo’s sporting director explained that the club needed a seasoned goalkeeper who could command the box and mentor younger defenders. Perin’s experience in Serie A and European competition fits that brief perfectly. His height, reflexes, and ability to organise the back line are expected to bring immediate stability to a side that has struggled with consistency since its return to Serie B.
Contract specifics
The agreement runs for three seasons, meaning Perin is tied to Palermo until the summer of 2029. The contract includes performance‑related bonuses, though the exact figures were not disclosed. The length of the deal signals Palermo’s intention to build a core squad around experienced players while they aim for promotion back to Serie A.
Juventus’ goalkeeping overhaul
Perin’s exit is part of a broader reshuffle of Juventus’ goalkeeping department. Michele Di Gregorio departed for AFC Bournemouth on loan, while the club brought in Guglielmo Vicario on loan from Tottenham with an option to buy, and Kamil Grabara on loan from VfL Wolfsburg. The changes suggest Juventus is looking to refresh its options between the posts, focusing on younger talent and loan arrangements.
What Perin brings to Palermo
Beyond his shot‑stopping abilities, Perin offers leadership. At 34, he has seen the highs of Serie A title races and the lows of relegation battles. His presence should help Palermo tighten a defence that conceded 48 goals last season, the second‑worst record in the league. Early reports from Palermo’s training sessions indicate he has already established a good rapport with the defensive unit.
Looking ahead
Palermo’s ambition is clear: a return to Serie A within the next two seasons. With Perin anchoring the goal, the club hopes to improve its defensive record, turn close games into wins, and climb the table. For Perin, the move offers regular first‑team football, a chance to leave a lasting legacy, and the opportunity to guide a historic club back to the top flight.
Perin finally gets the starting spot he deserves, and Palermo gains a goalkeeper who can instantly lift their back line. The modest fee is a bargain for a player of his pedigree, and Juventus’ willingness to let him go shows they are fully committed to a new generation of keepers.
Palermo’s defence should tighten up, giving them a realistic shot at promotion next season. Juventus, meanwhile, clears a senior salary and can focus on developing younger talent in the goalkeeping department.
Preguntas Frecuentes
Perin signed a three-year deal that runs until the summer of 2029.
Palermo agreed to a fee just under €500,000 for the goalkeeper.
He made 70 appearances in all competitions, including 42 Serie A matches.