Juventus: 3 things to make this summer transfer window a success

At the start of the 2020/21 campaign, some of you might have been unaware of Juventus’ future ambitions. The promotion of Andrea Pirlo from the newly-appointed coach of the Under-23 side to the manager of the first team might’ve been difficult to digest. Such a move indeed came out of the blue.

And then, the manner of results that followed could’ve made you question the seriousness of the Piedmontese club. But, by the end of the season, you realised how restless the club had grown that they decided to sack Pirlo, their club legend, who, despite many adversities, helped them win two accolades in the Supercoppa Italiana and Coppa Italia last term.

The reappointment of Massimiliano Allegri was another reminder of the 36-time Serie A winners’ sky-high aspirations. Now comes the most important period on which the fate of the forthcoming 2021/22 season hinges — the summer transfer window.

Juventus are hopeful of wrapping up quite a few deals, in terms of both incomings and outgoings, this summer. But what are the three definitive moves that could help Juventus oversee a successful 2021 summer transfer market? Here, we have assessed in detail.

Signing a backup #9 remains a necessity for Juventus

The arrival of a new manager accompanied several stories where predictions were made regarding the team’s new formation, which players could get the special treatment from the new boss, who could be the ones to play integral roles under the new management, and so forth. At the centre of the story, Cristiano Ronaldo, Juventus’ talisman, has dominantly prevailed.

Reports have been circulating over the last few weeks that Allegri has readied some news plans to implement on the position of Cristiano Ronaldo.

As per the story from Gazzetta dello Sport (via @ForzaJuveEN Twitter), the Italian manager wants Ronaldo to play as a number nine in his 4-2-3-1 formation. But what if that backfires?

Juventus have already extended Alvaro Morata‘s loan deal for another season. Signing on loan from Atletico Madrid, the Spaniard racked up 20 goals and 12 assists from 44 games, experiencing a decent season on his return to the Italian club. In fact, he was the second top-scorer behind Ronaldo for Juve, with an average of 0.49 goals (as per FBref.com) per 90 minutes in Serie A. But what if he struggles with his consistency or loses his form at a decisive stage of the season?

The answer to these two questions hint at only one answer: Juventus need to buy a backup striker as soon as possible.

Talking of potential targets to fill up the role; Mauro Icardi, Moise Kean, and Dušan Vlahović are told to have been on Juve’s radar. While the Bianconeri could get an experienced campaigner in Icardi, who also has the past knowledge of playing in Serie A, the latter two could be seen as future-oriented signings.

At the moment, Kean and Vlahović are believed to be the most preferred options for Juve. However, there also rests the risk of getting priced out of the deals, with Kean and Vlahović having three years and two years left in their Everton and Fiorentina contracts respectively.

Whatever happens to the rest of the arrivals, signing a backup number nine has now become a necessity. Going into a new season without a new striker could make Juventus vulnerable and thin at the forward department. Whether the club realises that and takes necessary measurements remains to be seen.