Juventus scouts focused on Openda and Lukebakio during the Italy-Belgium match, while also exploring potential replacements for Teun Koopmeiners. With Koopmeiners recovering from a fractured rib, Juventus could be forced to make adjustments to their lineup. The Bianconeri are considering forward options like Openda and Lukebakio to strengthen the attack, while also looking at other midfield alternatives to cover for the Dutchman in upcoming matches.
Juventus Scouts Openda, Lukebakio in Italy-Belgium
Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli attended the Italy-Belgium match at the Stadio Olimpico, scouting potential transfer targets. The game allowed Giuntoli to evaluate several players, especially from Belgium, as Juventus aims to bolster its attacking options.
Calciomercato reports that although coach Thiago Motta trusts his current squad, there’s a clear need for backup options for Dusan Vlahovic in the forward position. While Giuntoli had the chance to watch Juventus player Andrea Cambiaso play for Italy, his main attention was on the Belgian attackers.
Lois Openda, who started for Belgium, was a primary focus. After recently facing Juventus in the Champions League with RB Leipzig, Openda has showcased his goalscoring ability. He scored 28 goals last season for Leipzig and has already netted five this term. However, his hefty price tag of €42 million, Leipzig’s record signing, may pose a major challenge for Juventus.
Dodi Lukebakio was another player on Giuntoli’s radar. The versatile forward, mainly deployed as a right-winger but also able to play as a striker or attacking midfielder, provides different attributes compared to Openda. While Lukebakio is more renowned for his dribbling than his goalscoring, he could be a more cost-effective option for Juventus. Sevilla signed him for €10 million from Hertha Berlin in 2023, indicating he might be available at a lower price than Openda.
Both Openda and Lukebakio are under contract with their current clubs until 2028, which may impact any potential transfer discussions.
Two Juventus Alternatives to Replace Koopmeiners
Teun Koopmeiners is making extra efforts to recover in time for Juventus, but the Bianconeri have two backup options if he’s unable to return for next week’s matches against Lazio and VfB Stuttgart in Serie A and the Champions League.
Koopmeiners was initially called up to the Netherlands squad for the international break but returned to Juventus shortly after the squads were announced. It has now been confirmed that he is dealing with a fractured rib.
There is no confirmed timeline for his recovery. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that he is striving to be fit for a spot on the bench next weekend, while Tuttosport suggests he may miss the next two matches following the break.
If Juventus must manage without Koopmeiners, Thiago Motta may need to adjust his lineup. Wingers Nico Gonzalez and Francisco Conceicao will also miss the Lazio game due to injury and suspension, respectively.
If Juventus find themselves without Koopmeiners, Thiago Motta will likely need to make adjustments to his lineup. With wingers Nico Gonzalez and Francisco Conceicao both unavailable for the Lazio match—Gonzalez sidelined by injury and Conceicao by suspension—the manager faces further challenges in shaping his squad.
In the absence of Weah, it’s highly probable that Motta will turn to young talents Yildiz and Mbangula to fill the wing positions. Meanwhile, Douglas Luiz may be given the opportunity to step up and start in an advanced midfield role, providing additional creativity and support to the attacking unit. These changes could be crucial as Juventus look to maintain their momentum in both Serie A and the Champions League.
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