Zhegrova acquires Albanian citizenship, which could help facilitate Juventus move | OneFootball

Lille winger Edon Zhegrova has confirmed that he has acquired an Albanian passport, which means that he would not take up a valuable non-EU slot in the Juventus squad should his move to the Bianconeri materialise before the close of the summer transfer window.

Juventus have been pushing for a deal for the 26-year-old Kosovo international over the month of August, and reports last week claimed that the Old Lady have an agreement on personal terms in place.

Zhegorva has since been dropping hints over a potential move to Juventus, including his leaving a like on the recent posts from Kenan Yildiz’s Instagram account.

Juventus target Zhegrova given Albanian citizenship

Edon Zhegrova of Lille in action during the UEFA Champions League league phase match between Lille OSC and Juventus FC, in Lille, France, 05 November 2024. EPA-EFE/CHRISTOPHE PETIT TESSON

Zhegrova has since posted another clue on social media, revealing that he has received Albanian citizenship, which means that he no longer counts as a non-EU player by Serie A rules.

The Lega Serie A changed the rules surrounding the registration of non-EU players at the beginning of the 2024-25 season. Significantly, part of the rule changes brought the recognition of Albanians as EU players.

Posting on an Instagram story on Tuesday, Zhegrova shared a snippet of a WhatsApp conversation with Edi Rama, President of Albania, showing that his Albanian citizenship has been granted. Curiously, Rama is a known Juventus supporter.

Edon Zhegrova confirms that he has acuired Albanian citizenship.

“Proud to be Albanian,” Zhegrova wrote in his recent Instagram story.

The 26-year-old, through his parents, is of Kosovan-Albanian descent.