Juventus is eyeing defensive reinforcements this January but may risk sacrificing key players for a less-than-ideal upgrade to their defense.
Six Defensive Targets for Juventus This January
Juventus is preparing for a major defensive reshuffle in the January transfer window, driven by injuries to key defenders Bremer and Cabal. With financial limitations and the uncertain future of former captain Danilo, the club’s technical director, Cristiano Giuntoli, must work to bolster the defense.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, a number of interesting candidates have surfaced as potential targets for Juventus. The standout name is Milan Skriniar, the Slovak defender currently playing for Paris Saint-Germain. At 29, Skriniar’s Serie A experience makes him a strong contender, but his high salary and PSG’s unwillingness to loan him out pose major obstacles.
David Hancko, another Slovak defender, is also on Juventus’ radar. His solid partnership with Skriniar in the national team, along with his development since his time at Fiorentina, has made him a highly sought-after talent. His potential price is estimated to be around €30 million.
Radu Dragusin, a former Juventus youth player now at Tottenham, is also being considered. The Romanian defender’s previous ties with the club could be beneficial, but Tottenham’s recent €30 million investment in him could complicate any potential negotiations.
Kevin Danso, the versatile Austrian defender from Lens, is also being considered as a target. His experience and adaptability make him an appealing option, but Lens’ €25 million price tag could pose a challenge for Juventus.
Benoit Badiashile of Chelsea represents a potential opportunity, given his current status under Mauricio Pochettino. However, due to Chelsea’s large investment in him last year, Juventus may need to make a considerable offer to secure him.
Finally, Arthur Theate, who moved from Bologna to Eintracht Frankfurt on loan from Rennes, is under consideration. His versatility to play both centrally and on the wing makes him an attractive option, although financial factors could still play a role.
Juventus May Sacrifice the Wrong Player for Average Defense
Juventus are in a tough spot, with two starting-quality central defenders sidelined for the season due to ACL injuries: former Defender of the Year Gleison Bremer and recent signing Juan Cabal.
The Bianconeri still have several reliable central defenders at their disposal, including experienced veteran Danilo, emerging talent Federico Gatti, and a potentially stronger summer 2024 addition than Cabal in former AC Milan player Pierre Kalulu.
While those three are solid options, Juventus could benefit from adding a fourth defender to strengthen their depth for the rest of the Serie A season. The Bianconeri are among several teams competing for the title in what is shaping up to be one of the most wide-open Scudetto races in years.
As a result, Juventus are being linked with several potential defensive signings this January, and it seems the club is ready to make some sacrifices to secure a new central defender.
One suggested sacrifice for Juventus is youth prospect Samuel Mbangula, who made an immediate impact in Thiago Motta’s first season, becoming a key left-wing option after Federico Chiesa’s sudden move to Liverpool. At just 20 years old, Mbangula is the most talented young winger at Juventus, and while still developing, he has been highly productive with one goal and two assists in just 321 Serie A minutes this season.
Selling him to raise funds for a backup center-back seems a poor decision. With a solid goal and assists per 90 rate and strong stats in passing and tackles, Mbangula’s long-term value to Juventus far outweighs his immediate transfer worth. Juventus have made too many short-sighted decisions in the past, parting with promising young players instead of developing them. If sold, Mbangula could join the list of missed opportunities. Even as a backup, he offers more value at left wing than a 30-year-old journeyman center-back.
A sale might be justifiable if Juventus can secure a quality center-back, but with Real Madrid also shopping for defenders, Juventus may only be left with less desirable options. Sacrificing Mbangula could be a risky move with a poor return, especially when veteran center-backs are unlikely to come cheap.
Juventus must avoid repeating past mistakes by sacrificing their long-term success for a short-term gain that ultimately holds little value.
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