"?On loan Juventus defender Mehdi Benatia is not expected to return to parent club Bayern Munich, even if the Bianconeri fail to sign him on a permanent basis.
The Moroccan joined Massimiliano Allegri's side on a season-long loan last summer, having fallen out of favour at the Allianz Arena.
Despite hoping the switch to Italy would resurrect his career, the 29-year-old has failed to tie down a permanent starting place and has made only 10 appearances in all competitions this season.
Kicker | Mehdi Benatia will not return to Bayern in the summer even if Juventus doesn't buy him. His Bayern contract might be terminated pic.twitter.com/68IT9sRV5W
The terms of Benatia's loan deal with Juventus mean that the Italian's have the option to buy the centre-back for an estimated €17m in July.
Were the Old Lady to opt out of a permanent deal, then the defender would have to return to his parent club, however reports from German magazine "?Kicker suggest that should that be the case, then Bayern may choose to terminate his contract, thus making him a free agent.
Whilst having no club may be a terrifying prospect for some, it could well suit Benatia who made it clear during his time in the Bundesliga that he was unhappy and he previously went as far as suggesting his two-year spell with Bayern was the most difficult of his life.
Back in April last year, the Moroccan international was quoted by the "?Mail as saying: '"Here in Munich I have experienced the two most difficult years in my career.
"I don't wish what has happened to me on anyone. I want to be part of the team."
Benatia is currently out in Gabon representing his country in the Africa Cup of Nations and has played in both of their group matches to date.
"?"?