The Juve backline were exposed against Al-Ain FC and Wydad AC in their Club World Cup campaign, with the Serie A side punished by a makeshift Manchester City to concede five goals.
Head coach Igor Tudor saw Nicolo Savona suffer an ankle issue during their hefty defeat to City, with the full-back out for at least a month to join defender Juan Cabal on the sidelines.
Although center-back Gleison Bremer was on the bench against City, it could take some time to get his sharpness following a long-term injury. Plus fellow center-back Federico Gatti is contemplating a move away from Turin.
Defensive clear-out anticipated
At least three centre-backs in Juve's Club World Cup squad are expected to be moved on during the summer, to make way for upgrades. Tiago Djalo, Lloyd Kelly and Daniele Rugani could be sold, swapped or loaned out.
Djalo went on loan to FC Porto during the winter transfer window, swiftly replaced by Kelly’s arrival from Newcastle United, but had his contract terminated early by the Portuguese giants because of disciplinary problems.
He was one of four Porto players disciplined for violating the club’s rules for attending a team-mate’s birthday party on Easter Sunday until 4am the following day. His potential suitors comprise AS Roma, Crystal Palace, Genoa and Inter Milan, with a loan more likely than a straight purchase.
Brazilian media reported that both Greek giants Olympiacos and Juventus are serious contenders to sign center-back Leo Ortiz from Flamengo for €15 million (US$17.6m).
Renewed interest in Brazilian
The Turin titans have been long-term admirers of the 29-year-old. They were alerted of his silky skills by the then sporting director Cristiano Guintoli, who since his time at Napoli had monitored Ortiz.
The twice-capped Brazilian spent five seasons at RB Bragantino before joining Flamengo for €7m (US$8.3m) last summer. He has played in 69 matches and scored five goals.
Flamengo are reportedly unwilling to loan him out, pushing for a permanent transfer.
His Club World Cup campaign ended on Sunday, after Bayern Munich delivered the knockout blow 4-2 to earn a quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain next weekend.