5 players that could leave Juventus as scandal offers unique opportunity

SERIE A 5 players that could leave Juventus as scandal offers unique opportunity

Ifeanyi Ufomadu 21:10 - 21.01.2023

As clubs make their plans ahead of a busy summer window, the crisis engulfing Juventus has offered up exciting possibilities to Europe’s top clubs.

Juventus are staring at a 15-point deduction, with punishments also handed out to a number of individuals involved in the plusvalenza scandal. 

Should the Bianconeri fail in their appeal against the penalty, it could leave them down in mid-table and at risk of missing out on European football next season.

In this piece, we take a look at the five Juventus players who would be great additions to Europe's elite clubs in the summer as a result of this scandal.

Dusan Vlahovic

Vlahovic is a player that will surely be high on the list of Europe’s elite clubs. 

Dusan Vlahovic is one of the best strikers in Italy
Dusan Vlahovic is one of the best strikers in Italy

He nearly moved to the Premier League last January, with Arsenal attempting to sign the Serbian international from Fiorentina. He chose Juventus and opened his Champions League account for the club last term before continuing to score goals in Serie A this season.

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With a goal or assist every 141 minutes on average this season, the 22-year-old would come with plenty of pedigree. While a pre-tournament injury limited his impact at the World Cup, he still managed to find the net once as Serbia fell at the first hurdle.

Manuel Locatelli 

Another midfielder likely to be in high demand is Locatelli. The Italian international is on loan from Sassuolo, with Juve holding an obligation to buy in the summer, but a lowly league finish might prompt the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool to test the water.

Manuel Locatelli in action for Juventus
Manuel Locatelli in action for Juventus

Locatelli impressed for the Azzurri at Euro 2020, scoring twice in a group stage win against Switzerland. While he has yet to score this season, the 25-year-old has been a regular under Max Allegri as the Bianconeri recovered from a slow start to climb to second place before their points deduction.

Wojciech Szczesny

Several top English clubs like Manchester United, Tottenham and even Chelsea are in need of a goalkeeper with top-level experience and they need to look no further than Szczesny. 

Juventus and Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny
Juventus and Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny

The Poland goalkeeper spent more than a decade in England, first joining Arsenal's academy in his teens, and made more than 100 Premier League appearances for the Gunners before leaving in 2017. 

Tottenham in particular need an upgrade between the sticks as Hugo Lloris continues to decline visibly and cost Antonio Conte’s men valuable points. 

Adrien Rabiot 

A summer switch to Manchester United didn't materialise for Rabiot but there may well be room for the French international in Erik ten Hag's squad. He will be out of contract at the end of the season and is unlikely to renew. After his performances at the World Cup, it is clear he still has a lot to offer. 

Rabiot will become a free agent at the end of the season
Rabiot will become a free agent at the end of the season

The former Paris Saint-Germain star has featured more often than anticipated this term thanks to the injury suffered by compatriot Pogba. He featured in six of France's seven World Cup games, only missing the semi-final against Morocco, and scored twice in Juve's only Champions League win this term. He will be a good addition to most clubs looking to add midfield depth. 

Federico Chiesa

Another star of Italy’s Euro 2020-winning campaign, Federico Chiesa has only recently returned from a 10-month absence after rupturing his ACL last January. The direct winger had spent two years on loan at the Turin outfit before making the deal permanent last summer. 

Chiesa would be an excellent addition to many top sides
Chiesa would be an excellent addition to many top sides

The 25-year-old would be an excellent signing for a top-six club needing a new winger. Spurs would surely be ahead of the queue should Chiesa be made available.

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