Juventus Likely to Engage in Transactions During January Due to Necessary Reinforcements
Juventus are preparing numerous potential transfers with the upcoming winter transfer window set to open shortly.
The Turin giants have experienced a varied commencement to the season under head coach Thiago Motta. Despite avoiding defeat in the league, they haven't been triumphant in winning matches either. With just seven victories from 17 matches and 10 draws, Juve find themselves just outside the Champions League spots in Serie A.
The injury to Bremer in defense might have marked a pivotal moment in Juve's season. Defensively, they have struggled in Bremer's absence, keeping fewer clean sheets post his season-ending injury, prompting the club to explore reinforcements in the transfer window.
Reports suggest that AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori could be among the potential additions. Having been a key figure in the Milan defense prior to Paulo Fonseca's tenure, Tomori's position has since weakened. Juventus could offer Tomori an exit option, given his current situation at Milan.
Juventus and Milan have had past dealings. Last summer, the club secured Pierre Kalulu on a season-long loan with an option to buy. Kalulu, much like Tomori, had fallen out of favor at Milan and was seeking new challenges.
Kalulu has since emerged as one of Juve's standout performers this season under Thiago Motta, with a permanent deal seemingly on the horizon at the end of the campaign.
With the transfer fee set at a modest $14.5m, Juve's sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli has orchestrated a commendable negotiation.
Milan, observing Kalulu's success in Turin, may be wary of Juve's interest in Tomori. Whether Milan will engage in dealings with Juventus for Tomori remains to be seen, but it's clear that Juve are on the lookout for defensive reinforcements.
Danilo, a staple of the club during the Max Allegri era, seems on his way out. Despite holding the club captain title, Danilo has struggled under Thiago Motta, with the coach's insistence on a high line showcasing Danilo's lack of pace.
Danilo is said to be a target for Napoli, with Antonio Conte believed to be a fan of the defender's experience. If Danilo departs in January, Juve could target Tomori or Feyenoord's David Hancko, another on Juve's radar.
Juve has also been rumored to be interested in Napoli's Giacomo Raspadori, with whispers of a potential Danilo swap deal. Raspadori has found limited playing time since Conte took over due to his preference for a 4-3-3 system. With Thiago Motta favoring a 4-2-3-1 formation, this would be ideally suited for Raspadori's skillset.
However, given Raspadori's age and Danilo's mid-30s, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis may not be inclined to approve a direct swap. A swap-plus-cash deal may be more likely.
Nevertheless, Juve will undoubtedly be active in the January transfer window, as Giuntoli prepares to reshape the squad for Thiago Motta. And potential sacrifices for financial gain might surface, such as the sale of midfielder Nicolo Fagioli for around $27m, which could generate fresh capital for the club. Fagioli has shone in moments since returning from his betting ban earlier this year, but has slid down the pecking order under Motta, making a sale beneficial for all parties involved.
- Antonio Conte, the Napoli manager, is reportedly interested in Juventus's Danilo, who has struggled under Thiago Motta and could be on his way out.
- Juventus are also considering a move for AC Milan's Fikayo Tomori, given his current situation at the Rossoneri and Thiago Motta's need for defensive reinforcements.
- Despite struggling in Serie A, Juventus are aiming to strengthen their squad during the winter transfer window, with Napoli's Giacomo Raspadori and Feyenoord's David Hancko being possible targets for Thiago Motta's side.
