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Report: Juventus top three left-back targets for this summers mercato
Juve has suffered greatly due to a lack of strong left-backs. Juventus is continuously on the lookout for a fresh signing that can help them strengthen this position. Everyone expected Max Allegri’s return to assist Alex Sandro to cement his place in Turin for at least a season. Max put a lot of trust in the Brazilian, but it didn’t pan out, as Sandro is having another inconsistent and mistakes-prone season. Luca Pellegrini, a young Italian who spent last season on loan at Genoa, was expected to replace Sandro as a starter by the end of the season, but that also doesn’t seem to happen. He showed some spectacular flare whenever he had opportunities, but they were always in clusters, and his injury prowess never allowed him to take over the Brazilian.
So, in the summer of 2022, one of Juventus’ key priorities will be to reconstruct that left-back position. Juve has shortlisted three candidates for the left-back rebuilding, according to Nicolo Schira, a Sports Journalist and Transfer Market Expert.
Chelsea’s Emerson Palmieri, who is now on loan at Lyon and is also a member of Roberto Mancini’s Italy side, is one of the top names on the list for Juventus. Last summer, the Italo-Brazilian was linked with a transfer to Allianz Stadium, but he instead went on a dry loan to Lyon. He’s someone that thrills the Old Lady’s management, and a 15-million-euro bid should be enough to close the deal for the EURO 2020 champion.
Renan Lodi of Atletico de Madrid is next on the list. This season, the Brazilian, who is just 24 years old, has appeared in 35 games across all competitions. Juventus can afford his €4.5 million annual pay, but the Serie A giants are concerned that Atletico will refuse to trade him because he has been in excellent form for the Spanish side. He also has a contract with Atletico Madrid until 2025, but Juve remains optimistic that they will be able to sign him.
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Owen Wijndal, the third and last player on the list, is a young Dutchman who is a product of AZ Alkmaar’s development system. He has been a part of the club since 2010, rising through the junior systems to become an important member of the team. In 23 Eredivisie appearances so far this season, the 22-year-old has one goal and eight assists. Wijndal’s contract runs until 2023, so this summer maybe his club’s final chance to benefit from his sale. It’s also worth noting that his agent is none other than Mino Raiola, which may help the Bianconeri in their chase.
