Belgium’s Lois Openda, Canada’s Jonathan David and Serbia’s Dusan Vlahovic are set to jostle for a starting berth at the Bianconero, leaving Arkadiusz Milik as an outcast.
Milik missed last season because of various injuries, and was further sidelined by a freak pre-season accident to his calf muscle in the Juventus gym.
Despite relentless rumours that there would be an early termination of his contract, following persistent injury problems, the 31-year-old signed a new contract in April to keep him with the Turin titans until 2027.
This course of action was to balance the books at the club. The former Napoli hot-shot agreed to take a drastic annual salary cut, from €3.5 million (US$4.1m) to €1.75m (US$2.05m), with the intention being that he would be loaned out for the next two seasons.
The Poland ace sustained a serious knee injury while on international duty in June 2024. Once he recovered from surgery, having missed 25 games, he got a calf injury and muscular problems followed.
As a straightforward €2m (US$2.3m) sale appeared highly improbable, due to Milik’s steep salary wages and declining input at the Bianconeri, it was anticipated that he would be loaned out to a Serie A side.
Turkish Super Lig interest
There were no takers in Italy during the recent summer transfer window. Yet there’s been a sudden surge of interest from Turkish Super Lig clubs, where the transfer deadline is 12 September.
A move to Samsunspor appeared to be on the cards. After they explored a deal, the side rejected any negotiations because of Milik’s fitness and health issues over the past 18 months.
Trabzonspor have taken over the mantle, and can afford his reported €2.2m (US$2.6m) annual wage if an agreement can be reached.
The club's management has rubber stamped signing Milik, with an official offer expected to be imminent.
Milik overlooked by Tudor
He is clearly not part of Tudor’s plans, and was omitted from the squad that will tackle the Champions League group phase.
Trabzonspor coach Fatih Tekke has made an impressive start to the new season, unbeaten in their first four games and sit two points behind league leaders Galatasaray.
Milik is seeking a team where he can get regular playing time, as he remains ambitious about competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.