Llorente to join Juventus in July

Official: Llorente to join Juventus in July

Jan 24, 2013 1:06:00 PM

The Spain international will move to the Turin giants in the summer on a four-year deal once his contract with Athletic Bilbao expires

Juventus have confirmed the signing of Fernando Llorente on a four-year deal in the summer on a free transfer from Athletic Bilbao.

The Spain international has been linked with a move to Turin since the summer after announcing that he was not going to extend his contract at San Mames.

As Goal.com revealed last week, the Basques had turned down an offer from the Serie A champions over a January move to Italy, meaning that the Bianconeri have had to wait until the summer to get their man.

"The future of Fernando Llorente is in black and white," a statement on the club's official website read.

"The Spain international, who will be out of contract with Athletic Bilbao, has signed an agreement that will bind him to Juventus from July 1.

"The contract lasts for four years, expiring on June 30, 2017."

Juventus have long been looking for a striker to bolster their attack, with the likes of Alessandro Matri, Sebastian Giovinco, Fabio Quagliarella and Mirko Vucinic failing to impress on a consistent basis.

Llorente made his debut for Athletic in 2004, and has since made over 350 appearances for the club. He was part of the side that reached the Copa del Rey and Europa League finals last season.