News Juventus Defender Paolo De Ceglie Keen for MLS Move by Jeff Rueter on 10 March 2017

Major League Soccer has proven to be a viable home for former Juventus players. In�Sebastian Giovinco (Toronto) and Andrea Pirlo (NYCFC), the Old Lady has provided MLS with a pair of notable talents. Now, left�back Paolo De Ceglie is eyeing a move across the Atlantic. De Ceglie is keen to move to MLS and Minnesota United FC is�on his shortlist of destinations.

Paolo De Ceglie has been in Juventus’ ranks since 1995, when he was just nine years old. He made his senior debut at age 20, playing a prominent role in their promotion after the Calciopoli scandal. After a year on loan with Serie A side Siena in 2007-08 (making 29 appearances), he rejoined Juventus in the top flight the following year. Altogether, the 30-year-old left back has made 100 appearances for the Old Lady, scoring twice. He made a combined 57 appearances during�loans to�Siena, Genoa, Parma, and Marseille. The Italian also served as team captain in many of these appearances, highlighting his leadership abilities.

“Yes, it is true,” De Ceglie’s agent, Mario de Rossi, told FiftyFive.One. “Paolo is considering a number of options during what is a very important juncture in his career. He has enjoyed a wonderful time with Juventus, from boy to man, working with some of the best players and coaches in the world and winning the Scudetto under the guidance of Antonio Conte.”

The left back is ready for a change of scenery, having spent over half a lifetime with Juventus. Meanwhile, MLS is not an unknown commodity for De Ceglie. He still keeps in close touch with Pirlo and Giovinco.

�He is motivated to win more titles and play more,” de Rossi confirmed. “Does he watch MLS? Of course. He has friends playing in this league. Andrea and Sebastian speak very positively of football in America and it caught the attention of Paolo when they moved there. This is a league growing at a fantastic rate and, after watching the matches, Paolo feels it could be a good complement to his abilities.”

“It is very early stages, but we feel comfortable in expressing our interest in the league. We feel a solution is possible with the right team and I know the potential of playing in Major League Soccer is one that excites Paolo.”

About the fit

De Rossi�confirmed that Minnesota United is on the shortlist of clubs that the left back is considering. “We understand Minnesota is�seeking defenders,” per the agent, “but does not have an international player spot. Given how quickly these things change, we are remaining open.” De Ceglie�profiles as a true two-way�full back and is as proficient at tackling as he is crossing the ball. You can check out his 2015 highlights below.

Earlier in the week, Adrian Heath told FiftyFive.One that the Loons weren’t done making moves before the roster freeze. Though�right back J�r�me Thiesson is joining the cause, De Ceglie plays on the opposite side of the field. Currently, Minnesota only has one left back on the roster: longtime starter Justin Davis.

De Ceglie’s contract ends during the summer, but the player won’t rule out leaving before then. With experience at one of the most elite clubs in the world, De Ceglie would improve nearly any MLS backline immediately � especially given the relatively-thin pool of talent at left back in the league. At this stage, it sounds like a matter of if, not when, a potential move could occur. That Minnesota United is in the running for a player of his caliber is an encouraging sign for the club.

Minnesota United declined to comment for this report.

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Tags: Juventus, Minnesota United FC, MLS, Paola De Ceglie, transfer rumors