Samuel Mbangula has dramatically fallen out of favor since Igor Tudor took over as Juventus interim manager in late March, appearing in two cameo roles that amount to just four minutes.
The U21 Belgium star, who can be employed on either flank or used as a second attacker, could be leaving the Turin titans despite the club having turned down a winter transfer bid from West Ham United.
Having started the opening four matches under then Juventus head coach Thiago Motta, this season looked promising for the 21-year-old. The former Juventus youth academy ace initially appeared to be the perfect solution after the club missed out to Chelsea for left winger Jadon Sancho.
Super sub role
It was looking like this would be Mbangula’s breakthrough season, only for Motta to start heavily utilizing him as a super sub in a bid to inject much-needed life to the attack.
After top scorer Dusan Vlahovic fell out with home fans during December’s thrilling 2-2 stalemate with Venezia, the Serbia striker fell down the pecking order.
Mbangula missed out on being elevated to a starting berth as Motta brought in French international Kolo Muani on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. With Mbangula’s last full 90-minute appearance during February’s 2-0 win over AC Milan.
Despite the continuing long-term interest in Muani and Vlahovic with Turkish Super Lig giants in Istanbul, Mbangula could be involved in a part-cash deal with Bologna.
Coppa Italia hero
Dan Nyoye, the Switzerland winger who bagged the only goal in this month’s Coppa Italia final against AC Milan, is on Juve’s radar so a swap deal with Mbangula is on the cards.
Motta explored bringing Ndoye with him to Juve last summer, having signed for Bologna from Basel in August 2023. The Bianconeri instead introduced right winger Francisco Conceicao on loan from FC Porto, who excelled under Motta.
Conceicao has been an outcast under Tudor, although he did get a rare starting berth last weekend against Udinese.
With Conceicao expected to return to his parent club after the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup tournament, there’s going to be a void on the right wing.
Potential swap deal
Ndoye is considered to be an upgrade, with Mbangula potentially moving in the other direction as he has failed to impress Tudor.
Yet the club’s summer transfers will depend on whether or not Tudor is promoted to permanent manager.
There’s so much hinging on today’s match at relegation-threatened Venezia, with both teams desperately seeking maximum points.
Juventus need to net at least a draw in Venice to qualify for the Champions League, but must equal or better AS Roma’s result at Torino. While hosts Venezia need victory, and favorable results involving relegation rivals, to survive the drop to Serie B.
Last match looms
Mbangula, has stayed on bench four times under Tudor and missed two matches because of stress reaction of the bone. He has been named in the squad to tackle Venezia, although is likely to warm the bench or make a very short cameo appearance in what could be his last match for Juve.
As well as West Ham, there’s serious interest in Mbangula from Dutch Eredivisie outfit Feyenoord as well as French sides Lens and Olympique Lyonnais.
Should Mbangula be shipped off, most Juventus fans will fondly remember him for bagging the winner to earn a 2-1 first leg Champions League play-off success over PSV Eindhoven in Turin.