Juventus Transfer Market: Another Lead from Germany to Resolve the Jonathan David Situation
Juventus Transfer News: Jonathan David continues to be a problem for the Bianconeri, one that the victory over Parma certainly did not resolve. Although he appeared to be on the fringes of Luciano Spalletti’s plans, the Canadian was given another chance in Saturday’s match against Parma, only to deliver yet another dismal performance that was met with loud boos from the crowd. His continued presence in Turin therefore appears increasingly problematic, and management wants to try to resolve the issue before the transfer window closes. A new lead seems to have emerged from Germany, as Borussia Dortmund made an inquiry on Sunday to secure the striker whom the Old Lady seems eager to offload.
David’s situation is the result of a decidedly poor season last year: just 8 goals in 46 appearances—numbers that convinced the Juventus management to put him on the market to make room for a new center forward. The problem, however, is that the transfer is proving to be anything but simple. The former Lille player has let Giovanni Carnevali know that he is willing to move on, but only under certain conditions: he will accept offers only from major clubs competing in the Champions League. This stance has significantly narrowed the pool of potential buyers.
The hottest lead remains the one pointing to Atlético Madrid, which in recent hours has initiated initial contact with Juventus management to assess the feasibility of the deal. The Colchoneros, grappling with the complicated Julian Alvarez situation—who the club has held onto despite pressure from Barcelona—see Jonathan David as the ideal candidate to bolster their attack. The proposal on the table is reportedly a trade involving Alexander Sorloth, a Norwegian player considered expendable by Diego Simeone and long targeted by Carnevali as a potential reinforcement for Spalletti’s attack. The agents of both players are reportedly working right now to iron out the details of the deal, with the main complication being David’s salary, which exceeds 6 million net per season.
Reports from Spain suggest the idea of structuring the deal as a “low-cost” arrangement—a loan with an option to buy—similar to what happened last year with Nico Gonzalez, who, however, was ultimately not bought by the Colchoneros. Sorloth, for his part, perfectly fits the profile Spalletti has been seeking: physically imposing, skilled at shielding the ball, and dangerous on aerial balls—he is exactly the type of center forward the Tuscan coach has been clamoring for the club to sign.
Further complicating the picture is a move by David’s entourage, which, according to *La Gazzetta dello Sport*, is reportedly considering asking Juventus for a substantial severance package to facilitate his departure. This prospect has made the Juventus executives quite nervous, and Carnevali is unlikely to be willing to accept such a condition. Meanwhile, Juventus must also address Spalletti’s needs in midfield: after the failed signing of Franck Kessié, who ended up at Atalanta, the coach has publicly requested a reinforcement in midfield, and the club appears to have found its answer in Tottenham’s Pape Sarr, with a deal nearing completion based on a 3 million loan with an obligation to buy set at 30 million. In short, between incoming and outgoing transfers, the final hours of the transfer window for Juventus promise to be more hectic than ever.
