Juve’s visit to the Spanish capital ended in a predictable defeat to La Liga leaders Real Madrid. The tie was decided by just one goal, thanks to the agility between the sticks of razor-sharp shotstopper Michele Di Gregorio.
Although former Newcastle United defender Lloyd Kelly was at fault for Jude Bellingham’s maiden strike of the season, it was Pierre Kalulu who experienced an outstanding match inside the Bernabeu last Wednesday.
Kalulu, part of a back three against mighty Madrid, was commanding against such attacking opponents. The 25-year-old was helped by head coach Igor Tudor setting up the side so that effectively there were frequently six defenders.
Newcastle and Spurs eye up Kalulu
Versatile Kalulu, who has only two France international caps, is on the radar of both Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur. He commands a price tag of €30 million (US34.9m), and is being eyed up as a winter transfer target by the Premier League sides who are both tackling European soccer this term.
Kalulu signed for the then Juventus manager Thiago Motta on a season-long loan from AC Milan in August 2024. The Turin titans opted to fork €14m (US$16.3m) to buy him last July.
Tudor has utilised him as both a central defender and at right wing-back, although Kalulu served at right back during his youth career in France with AS Saint-Priest.
It is increasingly looking like there will be a massive clear out of the Juventus squad during the next two transfer windows, with the Italian giants keen to restructure their squad with or without Tudor in charge.
Like numerous emerging talents at Juve, winning trophies is their goal but under Tudor that’s never going to happen. Unless a top-notch head coach is installed soon, Juventus will try to sell many of their best players and it will be back to mediocrity for the Bianconeri.
Juve could lure Mancini or Spalletti
Former Italy managers Roberto Mancini and Luciano Spalletti have previously won the prized Scudetto, possess exceptional Serie A knowledge and recently turned down approaches for their coaching services.
Although there are other managerial candidates that should be able to return the glory days for Juventus, such as former Fiorentina boss Raffaele Palladino, another gamble like the club took on Motta and Tudor seems foolhardy.
A Juventus boss needs to have an exemplary record, a winning mentality and know how to bring out the best of rising talents. Motta and Tudor have each dismissed standout Juventus Next Gen graduates, in contrast both Mancini and Spalletti would encourage youth to shine.
Kalulu’s future will no doubt depend on the aspirations of whoever is at the helm come January’s transfer window, with the bright lights of the Premier League beckoning should Tudor survive being given the boot.