3 players Juventus need to consider this transfer window

3. Fabio Coentrao

Fabio Coentrao

The Portuguese international has missed most of the season with an injury and has featured only in 4 games in the La Liga. The form of Marcelo hasn’t helped the former Benfica man as he may move in this transfer market. Fabio Coentrao signed a contract extension at the beginning of the season after almost joining Manchester United in the summer. Valued at 18 M€, Juventus have been linked to him throughout the summer and also prior to the January transfer window. The Turin side may look to either loan him with an option to buy him in the future or directly buy him. With Real Madrid competing for the La Decima, it is unsure if they will let him go this mercato as they would prefer having a deeper squad. However, it is highly unlikely Juventus will go for him this mercato considering they have a good enough team on paper to win the Europa League.

Coentrao should have been the player Juventus should have solely concentrated on buying after they had obtained the services of Carlos Tevez. He would be an automatic starter in a 3-5-2 system that would look threatening from both the flanks. With Fernando Llorente in the center and Coentrao’s crossing ability, Juventus would have been a threat to any side in Europe. Being good defensively and portraying good ball control, Fabio Coentrao would be the icing on the cake for Conte’s side. Fabio Coentrao’s entry could shift Asamoah to the center of the midfield, which is his natural position. The left wing back/left midfield position has been the problem and the primary reason behind Juventus’ exit in the Champions League. With both Asamoah and Ogbonna having performed horribly against Real Madrid, Juventus need a serious re-enforcement in this position if they are to play a 3-5-2.

Current Market value: €18 m

Years left on his contract: 5 years

Current wages (predicted): €3 m/year

Age: 25

Other competitors: Manchester United and Chelsea

Transfer probability: 3/10

With the world cup around the corner will the players take the risk of not starting for their respective clubs or will they make a move in this window? Only the remaining amount of time left in the mercato will answer to that. For Juventus, in order for them to invest heavily in this market they need to get rid of some of their deadweight such as Quagliarella, Vucinic, Giovinco, Padoin, Motta, De Ceglie and Isla. Conte needs to add some firepower to this team now and in the process prepare for next year’s Champions League. Adding backups to positions in the summer becomes a lot easier. But, this Juventus team is on the rise and will become a real force in the future if Antonio Conte stays as their manager.