Giuntoli took a risk: but still has time for new signing

A month ago, the January transfer market was about to begin, which was supposed to help Juventus restart and fill the gaps that emerged in the first part of the season by Giuntoli. Some gaps were by choice, like the lack of alternatives to Vlahovic; others were unforeseen, such as the defensive crisis due to the injuries of Bremer and Cabal.

This last situation had been defined by Cristiano Giuntoli as a priority to resolve. Yet, with four days until the market closes, Juventus not only hasn’t fixed the issue, but it has worsened. As of January 30, it can be said that the strategy hasn’t worked.

Giuntoli strategy according to Il Bianconero

Why wasn’t a substitute for Bremer or some immediate reinforcement acquired as soon as the market opened? The answer to this question, which many have rightly asked, exists.

Photo by Peter Lous/BSR Agency/Getty Images) 📸

Juventus chose to focus on big targets, such as Antonio Silva, David Hancko, Tomori, and Araujo. Big names, but also complicated to secure, especially in January. And indeed, for one reason or another, these opportunities slipped away.

The problem isn’t that they couldn’t reach these profiles, but that they didn’t consider a Plan B. It wasn’t just about moving from one name to another; it was about changing strategy in time, focusing on less complicated targets (for instance, recruiting from Serie A, where players are available to temporarily address the emergency).

Even better, they could have provided Thiago Motta with an additional option, and then calmly pursued a major signing.

Giuntoli took a risk by adopting the approach used in recent weeks, and it went poorly. There’s nothing unfortunate about Kalulu’s injury; rather, the “luck” is that he was available (like Gatti) for so long.

In the end, he raised the white flag after 19 consecutive matches. Now, he will be out for several weeks, missing the Champions League playoffs. This is a problem, but it can at least partly be addressed.

Agreement with Chelsea for the acquisition of the player Renato Veiga – Juventus Football Club 📸

A new central defender was needed regardless, as even without the Frenchman’s absence, Renato Veiga alone wouldn’t suffice. The transfer market, which Giuntoli claimed was closed just a few hours ago, must necessarily be reopened. They have four days to make necessary adjustments, hoping there’s still something to fix and that it won’t all be in vain.