Juventus find themselves in a defensive crisis, akin to the one they experienced last season, which has forced them to look in the transfer market for suitable reinforcements. According to reports from Italy, the Bianconeri are looking for defenders with previous experience in the Serie A. Milan Skriniar, formerly of Inter, and Kim Min-jae, who was crucial in Napoli's title-winning success in 2022-23, are reportedly on the radar.
Juventus find themselves in defensive crisis
Centre-back Gleison Bremer was ruled out until the end November after suffering a torn medial meniscus injury in his left knee. The club released a statement on Monday clarifying that the Brazilian would undergo surgery. With left-back Juan Cabal also already sidelined for the next three to four weeks due to a hamstring injury, coach Igor Tudor faces a deep defensive crisis. The club are aware that both Cabal and Bremer may suffer minor relapses along the road to recovery, with the latter already suffering an ACL injury last season.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportSkriniar and Kim on Juve's radar for January
Keeping in mind the growing pains due to injuries, exacerbated only by a congested fixture list, the Old Lady are considering signing a centre-back who has previously played in the Serie A. According to , the Turin-based heavyweights are keeping tabs on former Inter and Paris-Saint Germain defender Skriniar, who is currently plying his trade in Turkey's Super Lig with Fenerbahce. They were reportedly interested in signing the Slovak last winter.
Meanwhile, the club is believed to prioritise defenders who are currently out-of-favour at their current clubs, such as Kim. The former Napoli centre-back, once crucial for the Partenopei in their title-winning crusade in the 2022-23 season, is now facing an uncertain future at Bayern Munich.
A new right-back another requirement for Juventus
Kim's arrival could fill their final non-EU squad slot after signing Canadian star Jonathan David on a free transfer, but Tudor is prioritising a right-back and a top-level midfielder. Atletico Madrid’s Nahuel Molina is the main target, despite having rejected a move in August. With limited minutes in Spain and the World Cup approaching, Juve are hoping to change his mind. Molina’s Serie A experience and good relations between the clubs strengthen the case. His arrival would allow Pierre Kalulu to return to central defence in a three-man backline. Alternatives include Nice's Jonathan Clauss, familiar to Tudor from their Marseille days, and 21-year-old Brooke Norton-Cuffy, a promising young Englishman at Genoa.
Getty ImagesWhen do Juventus return to action?
Tudor's side will take on a confident Como side on Sunday, October 19, with Juve emerging as early contenders for the Scudetto. A lot of transfer activity is expected to take place in the next year, with the likes of Dusan Vlahovic and Kenan Yildiz linked with moves away from the club.