Juventus Transfers: Would Elseid Hysaj be an upgrade over Alex Sandro?

At the beginning of the 2020-21 season, there prevailed hope among the Juventus enthusiasts, hope for potential salvation. They believed that their club had taken a bold yet sensible decision of sacking Maurizio Sarri and then promoting Andrea Pirlo to a far greater managerial role in the first team. With now Juventus on the cusp of ending the subsequent season, there prevails tension and the same question — what is next? Well, not Elseid Hysaj.

The Albania international has been linked with a summer move to Juventus, according to a report from Mundo Deportivo (via Calciomercato.com). Hysaj’s contract with Napoli, his current club, is set to run out in June 2021, meaning he will be available for free this summer in the transfer market. And considering Juventus’ fondness for free transfers, Hysaj’s presence is thought to be something Juventus would like to embrace amid the pandemic-impacted financial crisis.

The report also claims that Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid could rival Juventus for Hysaj’s signature. Plus, the tag of “free agent” might entice the Old Lady, and she might ultimately think of making an upgrade over Alex Sandro without spending an extra penny in the transfer fee. But will that be smart?

Elseid Hysaj is not a good replacement for Alex Sandro

Let us start answering the question with a definite no. It’s true that Alex Sandro needs to be replaced sooner rather than later. And even if Juventus choose to keep Alex Sandro under their rank, they must regard him as nothing more than a second-choice left-back. But should replace him with Elseid Hysaj? It is an obvious no.

The 2020-21 season, as indicated in the opening lines, has been an embodiment of Juventus’ collective failure inflicted by individual errors. And if we are being honest, Alex Sandro also is an ill-fated contributor to that cause.

Making 30 appearances across all competitions for the Bianconeri, the 30-year-old Brazilian has had been too inconsistent with his performances despite scoring a brace in the game against Parma a few weeks ago and pocketing two assists so far this term. He is defensively inept. And at 30, he has lost the energy to work as a full-back for the entirety of the game week in, week out. Hence, he is found making erroneous decisions too often nowadays.

But the same can be said for Hysaj, who hasn’t impressed enough with his opportunities this season. He has seemingly not done enough to tempt Napoli to hand him a contract renewal offer. As a consequence, he is to leave the club for free this summer.

Now, why should Juventus sign a player that is not good enough to earn himself an extension at Napoli? The simplest answer is that he, with all due respect to his talent and professionalism, will be not good enough for Juventus either.

After comparing the individual stats of Alex Sandro and Elseid Hysaj, we have found that they have racked up similar numbers both offensively and defensively for their respective sides in Serie A this campaign. While the former has recorded 1.5 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per 90 minutes in Serie A this term, the latter has registered 1.1 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per 90 minutes. Offensively, they both have secured 0.7 key passes per 90 minutes in Serie A 2020-21.

The only difference is that Hysaj, being right-footed, can play as a right-back. Though, he has mostly been fielded in the left-back berth under the management of Gennaro Ivan Gattuso this season. Therefore, acquiring the services of Hysaj would only mean the addition of another Alex Sandro with a more commanding right foot.

Is there a proper alternative for Juventus?

Speaking of options other than Hysaj, there are many. Juventus get linked with a new prodigy almost every day. But with the opening of the summer transfer window coming closer, one name that Juventus fans have favoured the most is Robin Gosens.

Capable of functioning as a left-back as well as a left-midfielder this season, Gonsens has played an impressive role in an awe-inspiring Atalanta side, led by Gian Piero Gasperini, this term. He has been a reliable member of Gasperini’s crew and is believed to have attracted interest from several big clubs including Atletico Madrid and Manchester City.

Should getting back to the Serie A title remain Juventus’ foremost ambition, they should brush the thoughts of signing Hysaj aside and prioritize the signing of Robin Gosens, who is currently valued at €35 million by Transfermarkt.