Transfer choices in sports often lead to heated arguments, and the recent permanent move of Pierre Kalulu to Juventus is one of the most shocking. The French defender officially became a permanent Bianconero on his 25th birthday, June 5, 2025. This was the end of a transfer that started as a loan from AC Milan last summer. This isn't simply another guy switching teams; it's a story that, for me, shows how badly his old team messed up. AC Milan made a big mistake when they let Pierre Kalulu leave. Juventus has smartly converted this into a big win by getting a defender who can do a lot of things and make a big difference.
It's interesting to me how rapidly people's opinions can change in football. People who liked and didn't like AC Milan argued about whether or not his first loan was a good idea, especially because the Rossoneri needed help on defense. I think his performance in Turin has settled the dispute. He missed more than 40 games last season at Milan because of injury. This physical setback, on the other hand, turned out to be a short-term one that didn't really show what he could do. I wonder if Milan, in their rush to get money and fix their defense, didn't see the big picture. Did they make a mistake because they didn't see the big picture, or did they just take a chance that didn't work out?
Juventus' Smart Move: A Cheap Defensive Player Who Paid Off BigThe Bianconeri Got A Very Important Player For A Very Low Price
Pierre Kalulu made his way into the starting lineup as soon as he got to Turin. He rapidly became an important part of Juventus' defense, playing in 39 games across all competitions while on loan. His ability to adapt and make an early impact, even scoring a goal against Atalanta, showed how valuable he is. The money involved in this trade is what really makes it stand out. Juventus used a very cheap buy option to get him for €14.3 million, with the chance to earn a further €3 million in bonuses. This price seems like a great deal in today's market, especially for a player of his level and effect. Juventus' scouting and transfer plan is great because they found and signed such an important player for such a little fee.
Kalulu's strong comeback story in Turin is about overcoming adversity.

His injuries in the past were only bumps in the road on his way to becoming a great defender.
It's easy to forget that Pierre Kalulu had to go through a lot of hard times before he became a regular member of Juventus. He had a lot of ailments during the 2023–24 season with AC Milan, including problems with his muscles and knees that kept him out for long periods of time. I can only guess how angry he must have been. But when he got to Turin, he turned over a new leaf right away. He played an amazing 3,162 minutes in 39 games, starting in 35 of them. This kind of consistent play, especially after such a hard season last year, says a lot about how determined and physically ready he is. For me, one of the most interesting things about his tale is how quickly he was able to bounce back and do so well. It shows that the athlete has a strong mind and a strong drive to prove himself.
The Club World Cup Own Goal: A Small Mistake amid a Season of Great Play

Even the most reliable players sometimes have bad days.
Pierre Kalulu has had a great season at Juventus, but I have to talk about the recent Club World Cup encounter against Manchester City, when he sadly scored an own goal in a 5-2 loss. I'm sure he would like to forget that moment when he accidentally redirected a cross into his own net. But I think it's important to look at this event in context. Football is a game where you have to make decisions in a split second, and even the best defenders can get into trouble. This one moment, though it is quite remarkable, should not take away from the consistently high-level performances he has given all season. It's only a reminder that even great players are human, and it doesn't change the fact that he has made Juventus' defense much better overall. The whole team had a hard time against a strong Manchester City club.
Kalulu's Future: An Important Part of Juventus' Plans

Juventus Has Found A Long-Term Fix For Their Defense
Pierre Kalulu's permanent move to Juventus has been finalized, and he is now a key component of the team's long-term ambitions, which include the 2019 Club World Cup. Because he can play in several positions on defense, he is a tremendous asset for any manager. I'm really looking forward to seeing how he grows and maybe even forms solid alliances, like the one he had with Bremer, which has showed a lot of promise in the past. Juventus believes in his long-term quality, as shown by the fact that they signed him to a deal that lasts until June 30, 2029. This move isn't merely to fill a hole; it's to lay the groundwork for future success.
In the end, the story of Pierre Kalulu's transfer is a great example of how one club's loss may turn into a big gain for another club. AC Milan's choice to let him go, possibly because of his history of injuries and money issues, seems like a squandered chance when you look at how he affected things later. On the other side, Juventus has shown amazing foresight and strategic skill in getting a player who has proven to be a trustworthy, flexible, and impactful defender. Pierre Kalulu's rise from a season full of injuries to a permanent spot at Juventus shows how tough he is and how valuable he is in the world of football. I think he will be an important player for Juventus for a long time to come.