4 players who could leave Juventus in January
With the second international break of the season taking its toll, speculation regarding Juventus’ potential antics in the January transfer window has been rife.
If you believe what you read (please don’t), it’s poised to be a busy winter in Turin following a fairly subdued summer window. The likes of Dusan Vlahovic, Donny van de Beek and Aurélien Tchouaméni have all been touted as future Bianconeri stars, with the club hoping to fund such moves via shrewd work regarding player departures.
With the club still feeling the financial after-effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, funds will have to be generated through several exits if Juventus are to add serious quality to their ranks in the winter.
So, here are four Bianconeri players who could be sold at the next opportunity (including a much-needed loan).
Kaio Jorge
We’ve seen just one minute of Kaio Jorge in a Juventus shirt after the Brazilian almost immediately picked up an injury following his summer arrival from Santos.
The teenage Brazilian was never likely to make an immediate impact and minutes are expected to be hard to come by this season. He currently sits behind Alvaro Morata and Moise Kean in the depth chart, but Massimiliano Allegri has experimented by using the two Federico’s in various forward functions.
Thus, there’s talk of the 19-year-old earning a Serie A loan in January where he can gain invaluable experience of the Italian top-flight. According to Gazzetta dello Sport (via @JuveFC), Sassuolo, Cagliari and Sampdoria are all keen on signing Jorge on a temporary basis.
The former Santos starlet needs minutes, that’s for sure.
Weston McKennie
Time might be running out for Weston McKennie in Turin. Following a stellar start to life in Italy, the American’s Calcio career has faded into obscurity (barring the odd impressive display).
His persistent rule-breaking and on the field inconsistency could see him sold at the next possible opportunity by the club. McKennie’s had chances to shine under Allegri, but he’s frustratingly yet to manifest his talent this term.
The 23-year-old attracted interest from the Premier League in the summer, and such intrigue could re-emerge in the winter. The Sun writes that Aston Villa are ready to join Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham in the race for McKennie, with Football Insider adding that the Bianconeri are willing to let their midfielder depart for £35m.
Aaron Ramsey
A popular choice. I think the vast majority of Juventini are ready to see the back of Aaron Ramsey. There were signs in pre-season that the Welshman was a favourite of Allegri’s, who utilised him in an unfamiliar regista function.
But, after starting Juve’s Serie A opener away at Udinese, Ramsey has enjoyed just 56 minutes of action in all competitions. While his form for Wales suggests he’s still a fine player, it just doesn’t look like it’ll ever click for him in Turin.
If Juventus could sell one player in January, who would you want it to be? #Juve
— Old Juve (@OldjuveFS) October 9, 2021
Unrealistic reports suggest Ramsey could be used as a negotiating chip in talks for Manchester United’s Paul Pogba. However, a Premier League return is on the cards. Calciomercato.com understands Juventus are ready to offload the Welshman in January, with Wolves, Crystal Palace and Everton all possibilities. A Saudi-backed Newcastle United can’t be ruled out of the race either.
Ramsey’s exit would be a substantial financial burden lifted off the Bianconeri. Salary Sport understands the former Gunner currently pockets a huge £9,724,000 salary.
Dejan Kulusevski
The undeniably talented Dejan Kulusevski is yet to catch fire in his second season at the club. Although, he hasn’t been granted too many opportunities by Allegri.
As was the case last season, his magic’s manifested in mere glimpses. Juventini crave more substance out of the dynamic Swede.
Nevertheless, recent media talk suggests Juventus might not have Kulusevski on their books for much longer. Calciomercato.com (via Football Italia) speculate that the Bianconeri could offload Kulu to fund a move for Fiorentina’s Dusan Vlahovic next year. La Viola are expected to demand €60m for the Serb’s services and Kulusevski, taking his sky-high potential into account, would certainly garner a healthy proportion of that should he be sold in January.
Gazzetta dello Sport (via @JuveFC) notes a potential swap deal between the two clubs could take place, while various outlets write that Fabio Paratici’s Tottenham remain keen on the Swede.