The original three-club race between Juventus, Liverpool and Manchester United for David Hancko has been reduced, with the Bianconeri no longer eager to bring in expensive defenders. His price tag is €30 million (US$31.4m), and he commands an annual salary €2.5m (US$2.6m).
Cheaper options that the Bianconeri are tracking include Empoli’s Saba Goglichidze, and Spezia star Nicolo Bertola. They are both available in the summer for a bargain price under €10m (US$10.5m).
While the Bianconeri are upping their interest in center-back Pietro Comuzzo, who will cost €45m (US$47.2m) during the next transfer window. Fiorentina turned down a €35 million (US$36.7m) bid for Comuzzo from Napoli in January.
Deal failed to materialize
Thiago Motta was keen to bring in former Fiorentina flop Hancko during the winter transfer window. Hancko reached a personal agreement with Juventus following advanced talks between Juve and the Dutch giants.
Yet Feyenoord director Dennis te Kloese blocked a potential transfer to the Turin titans, as the club were reluctant to allow their free-scoring ace leave mid-season.
The 27-year-old left footer, who can operate at center-back and left-back, helped Feyenoord clinch the 2022/23 Dutch Eredivisie and last season’s Dutch Cup. He scored seven goals in 48 outings last term.
Following the departure of Motta with Igor Tudor installed as interim head coach, there has been uncertainty about summer transfers.
Hancko surplus to requirements
Juventus will be strong in their defensive department next term so Hancko is surplus to requirements. Gleison Bremer will be back from his season-long ACL injury, Lloyd Kelly is set to sign on a permanent basis from Newcastle United as part of the conditional deal, plus there are plans in place to tie down Federico Gatti to an improved contract.
Hancko’s dribbling skills and ability to score goals would be an asset to most clubs. He played under Liverpool boss Arne Slot at Feyenoord, but a reunion appears unlikely unless there’s a guarantee that he would be considered a first-choice starter.
Manchester United’s chief Ruben Amorim reverts to three defenders, which would be ideal for Hancko. There is expected to be a summer clear out at Old Trafford, so plenty of new arrivals.
While Juventus have dropped out of the chase, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have stepped up their interest to potentially acquire Hancko in the summer.