Juventus Transfer Market: Spalletti’s Comments on Kolo Muani Spark New Speculation at Juventus
Juventus’s victory wasn’t enough for Luciano Spalletti, who—after the hard-fought 1-0 win at Frosinone—spoke to “DAZN,” focusing in particular on the Bianconeri’s lack of effectiveness up front. While center back Bremer ultimately decided the match, it’s his comments on one of the forwards who failed to score—Randal Kolo Muani—that are sure to spark debate. These comments seem to forcefully reopen the discussion about the Bianconeri’s transfer market, especially regarding the forward line.
“We went out and signed him ourselves, we’ve nurtured him, and we’re aware of his true value. But we also have to realize that Kolo Muani hasn’t played in two years. And there must be a reason for that,” were Spalletti’s stern words. “Sometimes you think your level of play is exceptional, only to realize later that you’ve left something behind that you need to go back and reclaim. In a game like this one in Frosinone, you have to score goals because the spaces are in your favor. And at Juventus, we’re looking for a striker with different characteristics, because we’ve had spaces that we haven’t been able to exploit.”
The name coming up most frequently at Juventus is Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutch forward from Manchester United, who has already been on Juventus’s radar in recent weeks, fits the ideal profile for the characteristics Spalletti is looking for: after a disappointing two-year stint in the Premier League—just nine goals and four assists in two seasons, with frequent stints on the bench at Old Trafford—the 2001-born player has reportedly already let his entourage know that he is open to a move to Juventus. However, an agreement on the deal’s terms still needs to be reached: United is pushing for a mandatory buyout clause, while Juventus would prefer a loan with an option to buy. In the background, as a viable alternative, remains the name of Ermedin Demirovic, a Bosnian forward for Stuttgart coming off a season with 15 total goals, who brings physicality and consistent goal-scoring ability.
Jonathan David’s departure, on the other hand, appears increasingly likely and could be the key to unlocking the transfer market for new signings. The Canadian, who arrived on a free transfer from Lille a year ago but has fallen short of expectations, has so far rejected all offers from England and France—most notably from Hull City, Rennes, and Lens—in the hope of receiving a more attractive proposal. Juventus, which pays him a net salary of 6 million euros per season, has every interest in speeding up his departure to finance a signing in the attack.
It’s not just the attack: the goalkeeper situation is also a hot topic at Juventus. In the closing minutes of the match in Frosinone, Guglielmo Vicario—making his Serie A debut in the black-and-white jersey after his loan move from Tottenham—had to leave the field in the 91st minute due to cramps, making way for Mattia Perin. Spalletti then reassured everyone: “Vicario’s issue isn’t serious. Just cramps. There was a moment when he felt his leg muscle was straining too much, so we decided to substitute him.” These are reassuring words, but they don’t entirely take the spotlight off Perin’s future, as Palermo is courting him with a two-year contract and a salary higher than the 1.5 million euros he currently earns at Juventus.
On the midfield front, however, the last few hours have brought significant developments. Fabio Miretti is now set to leave: Juventus and Besiktas have reached an agreement for the 2003-born player to move to Turkey on loan with an option to buy, at the explicit request of Vincenzo Italiano. The young midfielder’s departure paves the way for the arrival of Franck Kessié: the Ivorian free agent, who has already reached an agreement with Juventus, appears set to resist the advances of Al-Ittihad and choose the Old Lady, thus completing the midfield Spalletti envisioned with a player possessing international experience.
