Juventus begin Pierre Kalulu contract talks amid Manchester United interest

Manchester United may be set to miss out on Pierre Kalulu after Juventus FC reportedly opened negotiations over a major new long-term contract.

The French defender has become one of Juventus’ most dependable players this season and the Italian club now appear determined to secure his future before interest from England intensifies further.

Manchester United have monitored Kalulu closely in recent months, including scouting trips earlier this season, but the player increasingly looks committed to remaining in Turin.

According to reports in Italy, Juventus have already started formal discussions with Kalulu’s representatives over a contract extension running until 2031.

The defender’s current deal expires in 2028, but Juventus want to eliminate any uncertainty before the summer transfer market accelerates.

Having followed Kalulu’s development this season closely, his versatility and consistency have made him one of the most valuable defensive players in Juventus’ squad.

The 25-year-old has featured regularly under Luciano Spalletti, operating both centrally and at right-back.

Juventus reportedly view him as a key part of the club’s long-term project.

Manchester United’s scouting interest earlier this season is understood to have increased urgency around Juventus’ renewal plans.

Kalulu had also attracted attention from several other major European clubs after another strong campaign in Serie A.

However, Juventus are now pushing aggressively to remove any possibility of a summer exit.

Reports suggest the proposed contract would double the defender’s salary from around €2 million per season to approximately €4 million annually.

That financial commitment reflects how highly the club now rate him internally.

There is also growing belief in Italy that speculation linking Kalulu with Manchester United and Liverpool FC may have strengthened his negotiating position during renewal talks.

The increased attention appears to have accelerated Juventus’ willingness to improve his salary and extend his contract earlier than initially planned.

That does not necessarily mean the interest from England was not genuine.

Kalulu’s profile would suit several Premier League sides searching for mobile, technically comfortable defenders capable of playing in aggressive defensive systems.

However, as things stand, Juventus look increasingly confident of keeping him.

Juventus are aiming to finalise Kalulu’s new deal before the end of the season to avoid any uncertainty heading into the World Cup and summer transfer window.

For Manchester United, attention may now shift toward alternative defensive targets if Juventus succeed in securing the Frenchman long term.

At the moment, Kalulu’s future appears increasingly tied to Turin.

Would Pierre Kalulu have been the right signing for Manchester United?