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Juventus have been the dominant force in Italian football in the last decade. They have won nine consecutive Serie A titles, thanks to a squad brimming with quality.
During this period, they have signed some of the best players in the world, but not all of them have had the same degree of success at the club.
Five players Juventus could sell this summer:
The COVID-19 pandemic has wrecked Juventus' finances; as per a Reuters report, their revenue dropped by 20% during the 2020-21 financial year.
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In that scenario, it would make sense for the club to get rid of their dead weight or players with big wages in the summer. In the process, Juventus might have to sell some of their star players as well.
On that note, let's take a look at five players whom Juventus could sell this summer.
#5 Merih Demiral
Juventus have always had a strong defensive line. With veteran defender Giorgio Chiellini set to retire soon, the Bianconeri signed a few promising defenders in the last two seasons.
Matthijs De Ligt, who arrived at Juventus in the summer of 2019, is regarded as one of the best young defenders in the world and a long-term replacement for Chiellini. Juventus have warded off any potential suitors by saying that the Dutchman is not up for sale anytime soon. So if they need to trim their depth in the defensive department, Merih Demiral's name comes to mind.
The Turkish defender has been used intermittently by Andrea Pirlo this term despite the player impressing in his limited game-time. He is a regular starter for his country but is often the fourth-choice Juventus centre-back behind Leonardo Bonucci, De Ligt and Chiellini.
Persistent injuries have also not helped him. So, Demiral, whose contract runs out in the summer of 2024, might be put up for sale this summer.
#4 Alex Sandro
One player who has been tipped to leave Juventus for quite a while is left-back Alex Sandro.
The Brazilian was one of the best players in his position a few seasons back, but injuries and a drop in form have dented his pedigree as a reliable player.
As per reports in Italy, The Old Lady are willing to part ways with the 30-year-old for €25 million. With the player's contract expiring in the summer of 2023, Juventus should be able to get a transfer fee close to his market value if they sell Sandro at the end of the season.
The Biancnoneri have already started looking for Sandro's potential replacements, with Atalanta's Robin Gosens reportedly on top of Juventus' wishlist.
Sandro's attacking contributions have taken a hit this term, as he only has one assist in 15 league outings. So his stint at Juventus could be drawing to a close.
Also Read: 10 highest-paid players in the Serie A this season (2020/21).
#3 Aaron Ramsey (Juventus)
Aaron Ramsey has struggled to fit in at Juventus, especially under Andrea Pirlo this season. The Welshman has made 18 appearances in the ongoing league campaign, producing a modest return of two goals and five assists.
Ramsey has been linked with a move back to the Premier League. But he has been plagued by injuries during his stint at Juventus, which has prevented him from reaching the same heights he scaled with Arsenal.
It is also understood that the Bianconeri could be willing to offer the player, whose contract expires in the summer of 2023, as a deal sweetener for other players.
With Ramsey suffering another injury this week, the earlier Juventus sell him and free up space in their squad, the better it could be for the club.
#2 Paulo Dybala
Paulo Dybala has been one of the key players for Juventus since his arrival at the club from Palermo. In recent years, though, Dybala's stock has taken a hit; he has had a massive drop in form and has been plagued by recurring injuries as well.
There is no doubt about the player's talent and ability, but his lack of consistency during a difficult campaign for Juventus are difficult to ignore. Dybala has failed to do justice to the chances given to him by Pirlo this term, as he has failed to partner well with Cristiano Ronaldo in the final third.
As per reports, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are interested in securing the services of the Argentine forward, whose contract with Juventus expires next summer. The Bianconeri have not yet reached an agreement over extending Dybala's contract.
It is understood that Dybala wants a pay hike, but Juventus may not be ready to do so. In that scenario, it's likely they could sell him this summer and get some return on the investment made on the player before he leaves for free at the end of the next season.
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo
When there is a player as determined as Cristiano Ronaldo in the ranks, a lack of silverware and effort from other teammates can be a huge turnoff.
Ronaldo has been in superb form since his move to Juventus in the summer of 2018. He has been the club's top-scorer in the last two seasons. This season as well, he is leading their goal-scoring charts, but his teammates have not been able to match his wavelength.
Juventus director Fabio Paratici recently claimed that the club might look to keep hold of the five-time Ballon d'Or winner and let his contract run out in 2022.
Nevertheless, Ronaldo is paid more than four times more than any other player at Juventus. That could be a key factor in Juventus deciding to sell the player before his contract with the club expires.
If the Bianconeri fail to win a trophy this season, it could be tough for them to keep hold of their talisman. But selling Ronaldo this summer might help Juventus bring down their wage bill and have some funds to invest in young talent as they rebuild their roster.
Also Read: Juventus 0-1 Benevento: 5 talking points as Ronaldo and co endure shock defeat to struggling Benevento | Serie A 2020-21.
