With the left-back position having been their weakest link last season, down to a combination of injuries and poor performances, Juve are desperately seeking a solid defender to end their woes.
Juan Cabal’s cruciate ligament injury last November ended the Colombian’s season. The then manager Thiago Motta brought in two Premier League outcasts on loan, Lloyd Kelly joined from Newcastle United and Renato Veiga arrived from Chelsea.
Kelly, who has since become a permanent signing as he fulfilled the loan conditions, has been subjected to derision by supporters on fans forums. He only played once at left-back, on the end of the 3-0 drubbing by Fiorentina, and has been largely dire at center-back for the Turin giants.
Veiga, who swiftly became a favorite with the Juve Ultras, appeared to slot in exceptionally well at centre-back under both Motta and then interim head coach Igor Tudor.
He was never given an opportunity to play at left-back at Juventus, and after 13 Serie A appearances the club decided to let him return to Chelsea. The 21-year-old at least collected some silverware this year. He was an unused substitute in Portugal’s UEFA Nations League triumph on penalties against Spain.
Tudor was given a lengthy summer transfer wishlist by Cristiano Guintoli, which was top heavy with defenders. Tudor favors a 3-5-2 tactical approach, which is built on a solid defensive line as he displayed in his nine-match stint since arriving in March. Juve only conceded more than once in those games.
Sassulo's Scottish ace
Left-back Josh Doig has become one of the latest targets, as he can also be utilized as an attacking left midfielder.
The Scot, who could win his first international cap tonight if selected for tonight’s friendly at Liechtenstein, helped Sassuolo win Serie B to immediately bounce back to the top flight.
He is valued at €14.25 million (US$16.3m), although it would be unlikely for Juve to rush a potential transfer in time to compete in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Doig, who joined Hellas Verona in 2022 from Hibernian, switched to Sassuolo for the 2023/24 campaign although came perilously close to signing for Olympique Marseille.
Scottish internationals proved successful in Italy last season. Bologna skipper Lewis Ferguson lifted the Coppa Italia, while Billy Gilmour and ex-Manchester United star Scott McTominay won the Scudetto with Napoli.
Left winger shortage
A left winger is also urgently required at Juventus with Kenan Yildiz the only recognized player in the Juve squad in that prized position. Turkish talent Yildiz is versatile, and could be better utilized as a second striker if he wishes to become a Juventus legend like his hero Alessandro Del Piero.
Luis Henrique was on Juve’s radar last month, but the Brazilian ace didn’t want to wait until after the Club World Cup so joined Inter Milan from Marseille.
Leandro Trossard remains of interest to the Bianconeri, but the 30-year-old Belgian star is in advance talks about renewing his contract with Arsenal.
Greek goal-machine
Christos Tzolis’ debut season at Club Brugge was remarkable, with the powerful Greek international netting 21 times and providing 16 goal assists in 56 games.
His market value has more than doubled over the past month to €38m (US$43.45m) as the cluster of clubs showing keen interest include AC Milan, Aston Villa, Atletico Madrid, Galatasaray and Juventus.
The Bianconeri would greatly benefit from bringing in a left-sided player to set up and score goals, although the club’s priority appears to be a left-back.