Football Season Guide

Juventus

In


Daniele Rugani (def)(Cagliari, end of loan); Matteo De Sciglio (def)(Olympique Lyonnais, end of loan); Kaio Jorge (att)(Santos); Luca Pellegrini (def)(Genoa, end of loan); Mattia Perin (gk)(Genoa, end of loan); Hans Nicolussi Caviglia (mid)(Parma, end of loan); Weston McKennie (mid)(Schalke 04, loan made permanent);

Out


Gianluigi Buffon (sp)(gk)(released); Merih Demiral (sp)(def)(Atalanta); Gianluca Frabotta (sp)(def)(Hellas Verona, on loan);

When he signed for Juventus, the Turin outfit hoped Ronaldo would have led them to a third triumph in the Champions League. 3 seasons have passed and this has not happened. Moreover, in the last couple of campaigns, Juventus lost all the advantage they had over their competitors in the Italian football and last season they actually only managed to qualify for the main European tournament at the very last gasp. Bearing that in mind, the management sacked Andrea Pirlo. This despite a Coppa Italia and Italian Super Cup wins. In his place Massimiliano Allegri returns. Allegri had hoped Ronaldo would have left to explore pastures new, thus freeing up precious cash needed to strengthen the squad. So far this hasn't happened and as such Juventus haven't been particularly active in the transfer market. In terms of departures, they saw Buffon at last leave for good, joining his first love, Parma. Promising centre-back Demiral also left, wanting more guaranteed playing time. Further supporting players, or youngsters could follow in order to find the money required to sign at least one or two first-class midfielders and maybe a striker. Locatelli and Pjanic are the two names included in the shopping list but the management will have to raise the offers made if they want to satisfy Allegri's requests. Apart from signing McKennie permanently, Juventus only opened their purse for wunderkind Kaio Jorge while the likes of Perin, De Sciglio and Rugani all returning from loans and could increase the depth in the squad.

Target


If no top midfielders arrive, Juventus might struggle to be competitive again in Europe. In Italy they could still have a say in the Scudetto race, particularly considering the goings on at Inter. If Locatelli and Pjanic arrive, the Old Lady could be all dominant once more.