Juventus Transfer News: Claudio Marchisio Fuels Exit Rumours with Instagram Post

Juventus star Claudio Marchisio has added fuel to the ongoing rumours linking him with a move to MLS by posting an image on his Instagram during an English lesson.

Italian Football TV took note of the image:

Libero (via The Sun's Anthony Chapman) got fans talking earlier this week with a report stating the midfielder could leave for the United States as a free agent. The report mentioned LA Galaxy and New York City FC as clubs that are known for chasing high-profile players from Europe.

The report wrongly stated his contract is set to expire this summer, but the damage was done, and his father Stefano Marchisio even felt the need to reassure Juventus fans in a reaction to Juvenews.eu (via Football Italia):

"Claudio still has another two years on his contract, as he wants to respect, because he cares for the club. Many untrue things have been said. People already thought we were in Germany, England or the United States.

"If the club says that Claudio is no longer part of the project, then we’ll start worrying about it.

"As with every workplace, when you are not happy, over the long run the drip, drip fills the glass and it overflows, so you start looking around.

"The glass hasn’t overflowed yet. Claudio loves all his fans and is very happy at Juventus. I have faith, because I think he’ll have his chances."

Alessandro Di Marco/Associated Press

That could have been the end of the speculation, but Marchisio's Instagram post just days after the report will surely reignite the discussion.

The 32-year-old is one of the few members of the squad to come up through the academy, spending more than a decade with Juventus' youth teams before making his senior debut. Marchisio was born and raised in Turin and barring a brief loan spell with Empoli has only ever worn the iconic black and white kit.

He's a fan favourite and has logged well over 300 matches for the club, joining a select group:

Minutes haven't always been easy to come by of late for Marchisio, however. The Juventus midfield is a crowded one, with Miralem Pjanic, Sami Khedira, Blaise Matuidi and Rodrigo Bentancur all vying for playing time.

Marchisio has struggled with injuries the past few seasons, and manager Massimiliano Allegri tends to rely on his form players―it always takes time for returning men to regain their spot in the squad.

His long-term future at the club is also unsure, as the Bianconeri are expected to add to their midfield options in the summer. On top of that, they have several high-upside talents waiting in the wings, including Rolando Mandragora, who is in the midst of a breakout campaign on loan with Crotone.

But Marchisio still has tons of value for the Old Lady, especially considering his tendency to step up on the biggest stage, per Arjun Prandeep:

He may well end up following Andrea Pirlo to the United States for an adventure in MLS, but in all likelihood, that won't happen until his contract actually runs out. For the time being, he's too important a player to be sold, both for his contributions on the pitch and the deep bond he has with the city and fans.