Juventus is facing a tough decision as they navigate the Vlahovic situation and the potential sacrifice of key players to strengthen their defense. With reports suggesting the sale of promising talent like Samuel Mbangula, the club risks repeating past mistakes by prioritizing short-term fixes over long-term development. If Juventus cannot secure a top center-back this January, selling a young, productive winger could prove to be a costly move, further weakening their squad in the future.
Juventus Facing Double Dilemma with Vlahovic Situation
Dusan Vlahovic recently confessed that he feels more comfortable playing for Serbia than Juventus, presenting the Bianconeri with two key problems to address, both on and off the field.
Although Vlahovic is Juventus’ top scorer this season with nine goals in 16 matches, he has experienced fluctuations in form and is struggling to maintain consistency under new coach Thiago Motta.
His recent statements from the Serbia training camp have sparked rumors of a strained relationship with Juventus’ new manager. Additionally, the Bianconeri are facing another challenge, as the striker has under two years remaining on his contract at Allianz Stadium.
It’s well known that the Serie A giants are keen to extend the Serbian striker’s contract, but they need him to agree to a salary reduction, as Vlahovic’s annual wages have reached €12 million for the final two years of his current deal.
Talks between the two sides have been paused, and according to Gazzetta, the Bianconeri will need to assess Vlahovic’s future in the coming months.
If a contract extension isn’t agreed upon, a summer sale will become unavoidable, as Juventus aims to prevent a repeat of the situation that resulted in Federico Chiesa’s move to Liverpool for a reduced fee last summer.
The Italian forward had fewer than twelve months remaining on his contract at Allianz Stadium.
Juventus might also entertain lucrative offers for Vlahovic in the January transfer window, provided they can secure a worthy replacement during the season.
Juventus’ upcoming Serie A fixture is against Milan at San Siro on November 23.
Juventus Might Sacrifice the Wrong Player for Weak Defense
Juventus are in a tough spot, with two starting-quality central defenders out for the season due to ACL tears—former Defender of the Year Gleison Bremer and new signing Juan Cabal.
The Bianconeri still have some strong central defenders at their disposal, including veteran Danilo, rising star Federico Gatti, and a potentially stronger 2024 summer signing than Cabal in former AC Milan player Pierre Kalulu.
While those three defenders are solid, Juventus could benefit from adding a fourth to strengthen their depth for the rest of the Serie A season. The Bianconeri are one of several teams competing for the title in what is arguably the most open Scudetto race in years.
As a result, Juve is being linked with several potential defensive signings this January, and it seems the Old Lady is willing to make sacrifices to secure a new central defender.
Youth prospect Samuel Mbangula, a key option on the left wing after Federico Chiesa’s surprise move to Liverpool, is one of the potential sacrifices in Thiago Motta’s first season.
At 20, Mbangula is the Bianconeri’s top young winger. In just 321 Serie A minutes this season, he’s scored once and provided two assists.
Selling Mbangula for a few million to sign a backup center-back seems short-sighted. With impressive stats like 0.84 goals and assists per 90, a 90% pass completion rate, and 1.94 tackles per game, he’s more valuable to Juventus in the future than as a transfer asset now.
Juventus has made too many short-term signings and sold promising young players instead of developing them. Mbangula could be another missed opportunity if sold. Even as a solid backup, he offers more value than a 30-year-old fourth-choice center-back.
Unless Juve can secure a top center-back in January, selling Mbangula seems unwise. With Real Madrid pursuing defenders, Juve might end up with leftovers like Aymeric Laporte or Castello Lukeba, both risky at 30.
Most teams aren’t selling valuable center-backs mid-season, just as they wouldn’t offload a promising 20-year-old after a few months. The risk of selling Mbangula for a minimal fee doesn’t outweigh the potential loss. Juventus needs to avoid repeating past mistakes and sacrificing long-term success for a short-term fix.
Get the Latest Scores! Check out today’s football headlines and updates to stay informed.
Check Updates
