Italian champions Juventus on Friday announced the signing of Turkish international defender Merih Demiral from fellow Serie A side Sassuolo for 18 million euros ($20.2 million).

The 21-year-old made a strong impression after joining Sassuolo from Alanyaspor in January on loan with an obligation to buy.

Juventus said he had signed a five-year deal to run until June 30, 2024.

Demiral scored twice in 14 Serie A appearances in the second half of last season.

Juventus, boosted by the 2018 arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo, romped to their eighth successive Italian top-flight title last term.

Demiral will strengthen a defence including the ageing Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini,, while Juve have also been linked with a move for Dutch teenage star Matthijs de Ligt of Ajax.
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