They call it silly season for a reason. Juventus are going to be in the market for a new midfielder – or two – in the 2021 summer transfer window. The Bianconeri know they cannot continue with their current midfield stable, which lacks creativity and the quality necessary for Juve to compete at the level they want to.
Manuel Locatelli and Houssem Aouar are realistic, high-quality options. A Paul Pogba reunion is the dream. But now there is another superstar-level name being linked with the Bianconeri.
According to a report from Tuttosport, via Football Italia, Bayern Munich are showing interest in Juventus center midfield Rodrigo Bentancur, which may come as a surprise to fans. And Tuttosport say that Juve want to use Bentancur to acquire Leon Goretzka, who is one of the most valuable midfielders in the world.
Apparently because Goretzka’s contract is set to run out at the end of the next season, the Bianconeri see an opening to try and acquire the 26-year-old, who has scored four goals and five assists in another excellent season in the Bundesliga.
Why would Bayern want to sign Rodrigo Bentancur from Juventus?
Bayern’s interest in Bentancur makes little sense. He’s a hard-working, defense-first midfielder, but he is not really a stylistic or technical fit for Bayern. And Bentancur, as Juventini will point out, is a bit too mistake-prone. He would not be a starter for Die Roten. They could use the depth and would benefit from Bentancur as a backup, but then why would they go ahead and trade Goretzka for him?
They wouldn’t. The trade proposal from Juve would 100 percent involve more than just Bentancur, but even with Goretzka’s contract running out, it’s still hard to see them swaying Bayern with any offer. It is far more likely that the Bavarians will re-sign the former Schalke man, who is truly entering his prime.
Bentancur seems to be for sale at the right price this summer, but it’s unlikely Juventus will get that kind of an offer. His value is at a low point due to the miscast role he’s been forced to play this season amidst all the issues in midfield.
I believe Bentancur can be a quality role player for Juve in the right situation, but that only happens if the Bianconeri can make a signing like Locatelli or Aouar. As far as I’m concerned, a Goretzka and Bentancur plus cash swap is even more outlandish than a Pogba move. It’s not happening.