It’s been a strong start to the campaign for Juventus as they look to kick on in search of their first Serie A title since 2020. The 36-time winners have got results on the board this season but will need reinforcements in January if they are to keep up with reigning champions Napoli and the Milan clubs. Here are three signings Juventus should consider to get 2024 underway.
Shore Up the Defence with Manuel Akanji
Those betting on football will have noticed Juventus climb above champions Napoli as third favourites to win Serie A at 5/1, trailing only AC Milan (11/5) and Inter (6/5). Despite this solid start to the new season, Juventus do look a touch light in defence. Massimiliano Allegri has mainly opted for a three-back formation thus far, consisting of Brazilian duo Bremer and Danilo, as well as 25-year-old Federico Gatti.
However, with veteran Leonardo Bonucci having retired and Daniele Rugani seemingly out of favour, Allegri should be looking to add some depth to his backline. Manuel Akanji could be the perfect addition. Manchester City are strong favourites in the Premier League winner odds at 8/11, ahead of last season’s runners-up Arsenal (7/2), but Akanji could find himself surplus to requirements in the near future.
Pep Guardiola has made it quite clear that Nathan Ake, Ruben Dias, and the now injury-free John Stones are ahead of Akanji in the pecking order, meaning the Swiss national could be available for less than his €38m valuation. This is a player with over 200 appearances in top European competitions with Dortmund and Man City, as well as 54 caps for Switzerland. Still in his prime at 28, Akanji could add some real quality to the Juventus back three at a very affordable price.
🎯 Manuel Akanji has made at least 64 more accurate passes (740) than any other player in #EURO2024 qualifying pic.twitter.com/sR59UyOhOX
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) October 16, 2023
Increase Attacking Options with Serhou Guirassy
A second target Allegri should be keeping tabs on is in-form Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy. The Guinean netted 14 goals in 28 appearances in his first season for the German side after joining from Stade Rennes for just €9m. However, his value is likely to have tripled after starting the new Bundesliga campaign with 13 goals in seven matches.
The 27-year-old has scored goals wherever he’s played and could provide some much-needed support in the Old Lady’s attack. Arkadiusz Milik has failed to reach the heights of previous Serie A seasons with Napoli, and many of Allegri’s other attacking options have failed to impress consistently.
Guirassy isn’t just a goalscorer. The 6ft 1 striker has a very well-rounded game. While he does excel with typical ‘big centre forward’ traits – he ranks in the upper 84th percentile for % of aerial duels won – he also links up play well, ranking in the upper 11% for touches in the middle third and passes completed. Not to mention, he is among the top 6% for fouls drawn per 90 minutes, which should provide Juventus’ set-piece takers with plenty of ammunition.
⚪️🚀 Serhou Guirassy literally on fire!
One more hat-trick today…
⚽️ 67’ goal
⚽️ 78’ goal
⚽️ 82’ goal13 goals in just 7 games for Guirassy at Stuttgart this season. pic.twitter.com/nybvSdmRsC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 7, 2023
Anchor the Midfield with Danilo Pereira
Danilo is a player that has seen and done it all. With over 450 appearances at club level and 70 caps for Portugal, his experience could prove vital in the big games. He is adept at both centre-back and central midfield, excelling as a tempo controller in both positions.
The 32-year-old plays the game at his own pace, meaning he could go on operating at an elite level for several years. With a valuation of just €10m, he could be instrumental in the second half of Juventus’ title charge.
He is a major net positive in possession down the spine of the team. At centre-back, he has no trouble breaking the lines, ranking in the 96th percentile for progressive passes and in the 99th percentile for passes into the final third per 90. In the number six role, he is slightly more conservative, keeping play ticking over. From central midfield, he ranks in the top 1% for passes completed (79 per 90 mins) and for total passing distance.
He is no longer the first name on the team sheet with PSG increasingly looking toward the next generation to fill the void. Danilo Pereira could be an elite on-ball player for the next three years, and with €10m-€15m likely enough to secure the signing, he is someone that should be on Allegri’s watchlist.
Serie A Glory the Goal
After winning nine consecutive titles from 2011/12 to 2019/20, three years without a Serie A triumph must feel like a lifetime for Juventus fans. They were the dominant force in Italy for a decade and anything less than first place will be seen as a failure for Allegri. While certainties rarely exist when it comes to football transfers, these three players would offer Juventus something they don’t currently have at an affordable price. One thing is for sure; Allegri needs to strengthen his squad if he is to restore Juventus to their former glory.