Juventus Transfers: Who should Juve target to replace Gianluigi Buffon?

Gianluigi Buffon’s departure at the end of the season is not only poised to leave a gaping void in the Juventus dressing room, but in the goalkeeper depth chart as well.

Wojciech Szczesny has established himself as the Bianconeri’s number one ever since the Italian stalwart first exited Turin for Paris Saint-Germain in 2018. The Pole’s endured an indifferent 2020/21 campaign, however, and his status as the top dog appears under threat. Rumours linking Milan’s Gianluigi Donnarumma with the club are rife.

That’s a discussion for another day, though. Today we’re focussing on the potential replacements for Buffon.

A young but experienced option would be ideal, while the ability to play with the ball at their feet should be regarded as an imperative attribute. Here are a few options.

Mattia Perin (Genoa – on loan from Juventus)

Perin was brought from Genoa in 2018 but only featured eight times as Szczesny’s backup during the 2018/19 campaign before returning to his former club on loan, where he’s since rediscovered his best form.

Thus, this would be the cheapest possible option for Juve amid an uncertain financial climate. But, it remains to be seen whether the Italian international would be content as a number two despite boasting the potential to usurp Szczesny.

Tuttosport (via Calciomercato.com) reported last month that Perin’s expected to be thrust elsewhere once he returns to Turin in the summer and Atalanta have been touted as a potential landing spot for the 28-year-old.

Buffon’s recent revelation, however, may alter Juve’s attitude.

Juan Musso (Udinese)

Don’t allow Musso’s error with his feet in Napoli’s recent 5-1 trouncing of Udinese to cloud your judgment. The Argentine’s enjoyed a fine season between the sticks in Udine.

Musso’s PSxG-GA (post-shot expected goals minus actual goals allowed) ranks highest in Serie A at +4.8, which essentially means that Udinese’s number one saves more shots than he shouldn’t more than anyone in the division. The 27-year-old also successfully stops 10.4% of crosses that enter his penalty area, bested by only Bologna’s Lukasz Skorupski in Italy.

Thus, the stats highlight Musso’s impressive shot-stopping ability and confidence in the air. The eye test, meanwhile, reveals that the Argentine is comfortable in possession and plays a major role in Luca Gotti’s build-up.

Emil Audero (Sampdoria)

La Stampa and Gazzetta dello Sport (via JuveFC) have both linked the former Juve shot-stopper with a return to Turin this summer.

Audero’s enjoyed a wonderful time of it at Sampdoria following his initial loan exit in 2018, joining the club permanently a season later. The 24-year-old has endured a slight dip this term after keeping 20 clean sheets over the course of the two previous seasons. He’s kept just five on this occasion, with his PSxG-GA of -2.1 ranking lowly – and below Szczesny’s 1.9 – among Serie A keepers.

The Italian’s save percentage of 71.3% is pretty impressive, though, and ranks seventh in the division, with his ball-playing capacity notable as well.

Alessio Cragno (Cagliari)

Cragno’s a mightily talented keeper capable of pulling off the spectacular with freakish ease.

The Cagliari man ranks in the 85th percentile among keepers in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year regarding PSxG-GA (+0.12) and save percentage (73.8%) and the 84th percentile for crosses stopped (9.0%).

Thus, the stats paint the picture of a fantastic shot-stopper with adept aerial abilities. His capacity to ‘play’ football might be a bit of a concern considering his anonymity in Cagliari’s build-up play, but he’s certainly displayed competence in this regard over the years.

Overall, this would be my number one choice to replace Buffon. I think he’s the most talented on this list and there’s scope for Cragno to swiftly evolve into Juve’s first-choice.

Neto (Barcelona)

Finally! A diversion away from Italy. Our final option is Barcelona number two Neto.

The Brazilian is never going to usurp the majestic Marc-Andre ter Stegen as La Blaugrana’s number one and seems content serving as the German’s understudy. Nevertheless, a reunion with the 31-year-old is a possibility the Bianconeri should explore.

Neto, of course, spent two seasons in Turin, making 22 appearances between 2015 and 2017 before exiting for Valencia. Overall, Neto represents a safe, reliable option for Juve, while Jasper Cillessen is another La Liga possibility.