7 moves Juventus need to make in the January transfer window
By Max Cooper
In the summer of 2020, Juventus took a massive risk and hired rookie coach Andrea Pirlo, despite the fact he'd never even managed his kids' Sunday League team prior to collecting the keys to Turin.
The Italian giants now find themselves languishing well behind league leaders Milan in terms of points and standing, and the pressure is firmly on the club legend to turn this nightmare start around.
Are we really surprised it hasn't worked out, though?
In fact, those once labelled dream crushers and pessimistic Paulo's had probably predicted this major drop off by the champions, following their arduous season under Maurizio Sarri, and the humiliating Champions League exit at the hands of Lyon.
In fairness to Juve and Pirlo, they did address the significant imbalance to the squad in the summer, shipping out a stack of old heads and high earners, while blooding some much-needed youth and vibrancy into the team.
As the league table suggests however, there are still plenty of areas of concern for the Bianconeri hierarchy, heading into what could be a title-dependent January transfer window. Make the right moves, and Juve could be scooping scudetto number 10 in a row come May. Get it wrong, and Pirlo's head will be on the chopping block.
But what are these issues, and how can they be resolved? 90min is here to analyse a massive winter window for the crown-threatened Italian champions.
1. Sign Weston McKennie on Permanent Deal
Right Fabio Paratici mate, whip out that cheque book, write up a big fat bill for €18m, and hand it over to Schalke ASAP. Weston McKennie has been the saving grace of a floundering Juve midfield this season, and there are no doubts that he has the quality needed to compete in the upper echelons of Serie A.
So, while his move to Turin is currently temporary, and could automatically be made permanent based on the number of appearances he achieves over the season, Juve shouldn't even hesitate until the summer.
Sign him up.
2. Sort Out Paulo Dybala's Future
How do you solve a problem like Paulo? The Argentine is committed to Juventus, has never expressed any desire to leave the club, and has even defied the board in their attempts to sell him.
Widely considered the most technically gifted player in the squad, Dybala is insanely talented, if possibly misused by coaches unwilling to build a team around him. And with his contract set to expire in 18 months, the clock is ticking for the board to make an important decision.
La Joya wants to stay - but only for the right price. Will Juve gamble and pay Dybala what he desires, making him the star of the team, or cash in before his value drops with each passing transfer window? Gambleeeeeee!
3. Sell Federico Bernardeschi
It's just not working out for Federico Bernardeschi in Turin, is it? The Italian has failed to show any hint of good form over the past couple of seasons, and Pirlo cannot afford to carry any passengers if he is to climb to the Serie A summit by the end of the campaign.
So, cut free the deadwood. Bernardeschi is not a bad player at all, and he has demonstrated on international duty that, provided with the right conditions, he can thrive. Just, not at Juve.
Stick him on the market, sell him to a naive Premier League club willing to pay miles over the asking price, and reinvest that cash in a player who fits the style and system. Simples.
4. Sign a Midfield Playmaker (Paul Pogba)
No matter what Pirlo tries or how he sets up his team, there is always something missing in his midfield. While McKennie has proven to be an inspired signing, the likes of Aaron Ramsey, Adrien Rabiot and Arthur Melo flatter to deceive.
What's needed is a man with some invention on the ball. Someone who can pick the lock of defences, glide with the ball at his feet and always provide an option for his teammates. Basically, Juve need Paul Pogba.
Whether they can convince Manchester United to sell up in January is another argument altogether. If the Frenchman remains out of their reach, how about a cheeky bid for AS Roma starlet Gonzalo Villar? The Spaniard really looks the business.
5. Recruit Attacking Reinforcements
Juve have already pulled off one masterstroke in bringing Alvaro Morata back to Turin, but they must dip into the market once more for attacking reinforcements.
The Spaniard has settled back into life in Serie A with ease, but behind him and the evergreen Cristiano Ronaldo, there is little in terms of goalscoring instinct.
I Bianconeri lack any serious strikers on the bench, so signing a young, hungry and proven striker must be a priority for Pirlo. Celtic star Odsonne Edouard has been linked with the Italian giants, and could be the ideal candidate to challenge and support the current forward line.
6. Find a Juan Cuadrado Alternative
Now, I don't want to go in too hard on Juan Cuadrado, because he's been a great servant to Juventus in a number of positions and roles over the years - BUT - there's got to be better out there. Especially for a team hoping to challenge for European trophies.
Cuadrado plays a unique position in Pirlo's fluid system, switching from a right-back to flying wing-back when in and out of possession, making his job a tough one to learn.
There must be better quality alternatives though, surely? Is it time for Max Aarons to finally land his big-money move and prove his abilities at the top of our sport? Sorry Norwich City fans, but even you know he's too good for the Championship.
7. Replace Alex Sandro
Despite what FIFA19, 20 and 21 will tell you, Alex Sandro has not been an elite level left-back for a number of years. The Brazilian's performances have been so bang average over the past two or three seasons, and that just won't do for a player performing such an integral role in the system.
Pirlo has opted to start either Gianluca Frabotta or Federico Chiesa ahead of Sandro in that fluid wing-back role, but he gave the defender a chance at centre-back against Fiorentina on Tuesday. One own goal and a 3-0 hammering later, that plan backfired.
Juve need to land upon a plan for the winter. Either buy an accomplished left-sided centre-back who can operate out wide, or buy a left-back who can drop into the heart of the defence when needed. What Pirlo really requires is Leonardo Spinazzola, the man Juve sold to Roma in 2019, who is now the best wing-back in the league. Crazy business.