Juventus Transfers: 4 positions the Bianconeri still need to strengthen
As Italian football continues to feel the financial effects of the coronavirus pandemic, Juventus, like the vast majority of Serie A, have enjoyed a fairly serene transfer window up to this point.
Fabio Cherubini, Fabio Paratici’s internal replacement as the club’s Chief Football Officer, views the Bianconeri’s current talent pool as sufficient to return to the apex of Serie A next season under Massimiliano Allegri and isn’t in any rush to strengthen Juve’s squad.
Thus, as it stands, it appears Allegri will be working with a similar squad to the one Andrea Pirlo inherited last summer unless Cherubini’s assiduous stance alters.
However, with six weeks of the transfer window remaining, the possibility of Juve springing a surprise can’t be ruled out. The potential of several outgoings may free up some funds for one or two arrivals.
If that was to be the case and a source of disposable income did manifest out of the wilderness this summer, here are the positions the Juve hierarchy should be looking to strengthen.
Goalkeeper
Gianluigi Buffon’s departure hasn’t just left a gaping void in the Juventus dressing room, but in the goalkeeper depth chart as well.
Currently, perennial loanee Mattia Perin is Wojciech Szczesny’s number two but Juve would be quick to let Perin depart should a club match their valuation for the 28-year-old. In that scenario, it’d be up to Carlo Pinsoglio to fill the great Buffon’s gloves.
Thus, should Perin leave, then Juve have to bring in another goalkeeper who’ll not only serve as a number two but provide stiff competition for Szczesny also. The Pole has plenty to prove this season after enduring an indifferent campaign last time out and Pinsoglio doesn’t offer the healthy competition he requires.
Left-Back
As it stands, Gianluca Frabotta’s proposed move to Atalanta leaves returning loanee, Luca Pellegrini, as Alex Sandro’s backup for 2021/22. Danilo’s versatility means he’s an option to play on the opposite flank as well.
Nevertheless, despite the promise shown by Pellegrini during his loan spell at Genoa two seasons ago, it remains to be seen whether he’s a viable long-term successor to 30-year-old Sandro.
Thus, Juve could explore the possibility of signing the Brazilian’s successor this summer. Borussia Monchengladbach’s technically gifted Ramy Bensebaini and Paris Saint-Germain’s Mitchell Bakker have been touted as potential targets.
Overall, though, left-back isn’t a priority this summer, especially if Pellegrini impresses in pre-season.