As the January transfer window looms, Juventus is reportedly considering reshuffling its squad to address injuries and bolster its lineup. According to recent reports, the club might offload three first-team players to make room for reinforcements, with Director Cristiano Giuntoli leading the efforts to bring in fresh talent.
Injury Challenges Force Juventus’ Hand
Juventus is grappling with the absence of key players due to significant injuries. Both Gleison Bremer and Juan Cabal are sidelined with cruciate ligament injuries, leaving gaps in the defensive lineup. Additionally, Dusan Vlahovic remains the sole available option for the No. 9 role, increasing the urgency for attacking reinforcements.
To tackle these challenges, Juventus is targeting a defender and a forward during the January transfer window. However, to make these moves feasible, the club is reportedly open to parting ways with three players.
Potential Departures
1. Samuel Mbangula
The 19-year-old Belgium international, who debuted this season and scored Juventus’ opening goal in a 3-0 win over Como, might be allowed to leave. Mbangula has shown promise but could be sacrificed to secure defensive reinforcements. The club sees the sale as a strategic move to strengthen critical areas of the squad.
2. Arthur Melo
The Brazilian midfielder has struggled to find a consistent role at Juventus since joining from Barcelona. While a transfer was on the cards during the summer, no deal materialized. Reports suggest that Juventus is keen to move him on in January, as his departure could free up resources for new signings.
3. Danilo
Juventus captain Danilo is another player who might exit. With his contract set to expire soon and his role diminished under Thiago Motta, the club could cash in on him now rather than letting him leave for free in the summer. Danilo’s versatility as a right-back and center-half makes him a valuable asset, but his high wages are seen as a potential saving to reinvest elsewhere.
A Look Ahead
The January window is shaping up to be a critical period for Juventus. While departures may be bittersweet, they could pave the way for the arrival of much-needed defensive and attacking reinforcements. The rumored targets are expected to help Juventus remain competitive in Serie A and beyond.
Stay tuned for the latest Italian football news as the transfer window approaches and Juventus’ plans take shape.