We may only be halfway through February but reports of Juventus’ potential work in the summer are already emerging.
The Bianconeri embarked on a rebuild-igniting January mercato last month that saw Dusan Vlahovic and Denis Zakaria join the club with Dejan Kulusevski, Rodrigo Bentancur and Aaron Ramsey departing. However, that’s just the start.
A busy summer is in prospect for Juve and while the future of Paulo Dybala will ultimately determine where their main priority lies in the next transfer window, signing a new left-back is of the utmost importance.
Alex Sandro’s decline in recent years has been stark and despite Massimiliano Allegri’s faith in the veteran Brazilian, the club have recognised the need to move on. Juve’s search for Alex Sandro’s successor is already underway, with four targets recently emerging.
Here’s a ranking of those options.
4. Destiny Udogie
After breaking out under Ivan Juric at the end of last season, Udogie has enjoyed a prosperous loan spell at Udinese in 2021/22. The youngster was just 17 when he made his first Serie A appearance for Verona and Udogie is regarded as one of Italy’s most exciting young full-backs.
He’s primarily functioned as a left wing-back for Udinese this season and while the teenager stands out from an athletic perspective, especially, his attacking numbers are underwhelming. Although, context is key and it’s fair to say that wing-backs in Luca Gotti and now Gabriele Cioffi’s 3-5-2 aren’t given as much offensive freedom compared to others in different systems.
In 17 starts this season, Udogie has one goal contribution.
Thus, while Udogie’s ceiling is high thanks to his physical prowess and youthful exuberance, the teenager is not yet ready for a big move to Juventus. The Italian Under-21 international must refine his trade before making the big leap. I’d love to see him return to Verona next season and work under Igor Tudor.
Check out FBRef’s full scouting report of Destiny Udogie here.