Updates on the futures of Ronaldo, Dybala and more: Juventus Transfer News Round-Up, 4 December 2019
With the January transfer window opening in just under a month, clubs across Europe will be hoping to make two or three signings, either to fix issues that have cropped up in the first half of the season or to bolster their squads for the second half and beyond.
Currently sitting in second place in Serie A after being held to a 2-2 draw by Sassuolo at the weekend, Juventus know that their crown is under threat and the defending champions will be looking to make sure they topple Antonio Conte's Inter Milan, as well as try to make a big splash in the Champions League. So, let's have a look at the biggest stories surrounding the Old Lady this winter.
Ronaldo is Staying
As reported by Italian media outlet Football Italia, Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici has expressed in no uncertain terms that superstar Cristiano Ronaldo will remain a Bianconeri for the foreseeable future.
When Paratici was asked if the Portuguese megastar was becoming a problem at the club amidst his recent dip in form and fitness, as well as a strange sense that he had fallen out with manager Maurizio Sarri, he said:
“I smile because there are other problems. He wanted this award [Serie A MVP] because he is an ambitious person and he wants to show he is also the best here.
“In our opinion he deserves the Ballon d’Or. He will be at Juventus next season, without a doubt.
“He wants to win another Ballon d’Or with us, and we support him.”
January incomings are unlikely, but outgoings are possible
Several reports have surfaced in recent weeks of Juventus being interested in players across Europe, including the likes of Christian Eriksen, Sandro Tonali and Dejan Kulusevski, but Paratici has seemingly ruled out the possibility of any incoming transfers in January.
Speaking at the Gran Gala awards in Milan, he said:
"We won't buy anyone in January, not even player sales, with the exception of maybe Mario] Mandzukic."
The Croatian striker has been out of favour under Sarri, so a January move is sensible, with Manchester United being linked with him since the summer, given their struggles in front of goal this term.
Not only Mandzukic but Can as well?
However, despite Paratici's comments on Juventus' winter business (or lack thereof), journalist Gianluca di Marzio, on his official website, gianlucamarzio.com, has reported that German midfielder Emre Can could also be on his way out of the club.
Can, who was signed on a free transfer from Liverpool in 2018 has been shunted to one side by Sarri, even being left out of Juventus' Champions League squad for this season. With the likes of Rodrigo Bentancur, Aaron Ramsey and Adrien Rabiot being preferred to him, Can's game time has been limited and it has been mooted that Fiorentina could make a move for him in January.
No contract talks with Dybala as of now
In the same interview at the Gran Gala awards, Paratici was quizzed on the future of Argentine hotshot Paulo Dybala.
The 25-year old was linked with Premier League sides Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United in the summer, but chose to remain in Italy and has become a key player for Maurizio Sarri's team.
Amidst rumours that Dybala had been offered a new contract as per his summer demands, Paratici was quick to deny any such talks taking place, saying:
"We're not talking about a renewal, we'll talk about it when the time is right."
When that right time is is anybody's guess, but Juventus seem to know what they are doing and are confident of reaching an advantageous position with respect to the player.
Also check out: Seria A table Champions League table Champions League Schedule