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Lyon move for David, Juve set conditions for the sale

Published

5 months ago

March 10, 2026

Juventus are currently facing a curious tactical paradox that is increasingly troubling head coach Luciano Spalletti.

According to a recent analysis published by the Italian newspaper Tuttosport, the performances of striker Jonathan David have entered a worrying phase, raising questions about his role in the team’s attacking system.

A Striker Struggling for Confidence

Despite the continued backing of Spalletti, the Canadian forward appears to be experiencing a noticeable crisis of confidence.

Observers point out that David often positions his body away from goal, a sign of hesitation that limits his attacking effectiveness. Instead of attacking the penalty area with conviction, his movements frequently drift away from dangerous zones, reducing Juventus’ offensive presence.

Statistics further highlight the issue. In Juventus’ last three matches, the team managed to score eight goals when David was not on the pitch, but only one when he started.

The difference is even clearer when looking at expected goals (xG). With David in the starting lineup, Juventus produced an xG total of just 2.68, compared to a far more dangerous 5.41 when he was absent.

In response, several midfielders and supporting attackers have stepped up to fill the gap. Players such as Weston McKennie, Teun Koopmeiners and Khéphren Thuram have contributed important goals and attacking momentum.

Nevertheless, Juventus’ push toward securing third place in the league standings has lost some of its intensity during this period.

Tactical Changes and an Uncertain Future for Jonathan David

Another telling trend highlighted by Tuttosport is that Juventus’ attacking danger seems to increase almost immediately once David leaves the field. This pattern has forced Spalletti to rethink his attacking structure ahead of upcoming fixtures.

For the upcoming match against Udinese Calcio, the coach is reportedly considering keeping the same tactical setup used in the recent game against Pisa SC.

In that system, young talent Kenan Yildiz operates as a “false nine,” supported on the wings by Francisco Conceição and Jeremie Boga.

Meanwhile, the expected return of star striker Dušan Vlahović could further reduce David’s playing time. As a result, speculation about his future in Turin is growing stronger.

Reports suggest Juventus could consider selling the former Lille OSC forward in the summer for a fee between €25 and €30 million. Interest has already emerged from Olympique Lyonnais, managed by Paulo Fonseca.

For Juventus, such a deal would also represent a valuable capital gain, potentially allowing the club to focus its long-term plans around renewing the contract of their primary goal-scoring star.