Juventus is obviously leaving no stone unturned in its quest to improve their squad for the upcoming campaign. The recent capture of Wojciech Szczesny from Arsenal brings the club’s summer dealings to six thus far.
Leonardo Bonucci’s surprise switch to AC Milan appears to have clouded all other positives for the Old Lady this summer. The club’s dependable stalwart caused a stir by agreeing to move to their direct rival. Yet, Maximiliano Allegri has succeeded in strengthening every single aspect of his squad.
Here, we guide you through these new acquisitions and their potential impact on the club’s scheme to rule Italy perpetually.
1 - Rodrigo Bentancur
While other sides were struggling to finish the season strongly in April, Juve had already kick started plans for the next campaign with the signing of Rodriguez Bentancur. The Turin giants struck a deal with Boca Juniors for the 20-year-old midfielder back in 2015 when Carlos Tevez joined them on the cheap.
Signed for a measly £8m, Bentancur is that Nemanja Matic or Marko Grujic type player: tall and powerful, but also sleek and graceful when moving across the turf. He sweeps around the pitch in circles off the ball, changing direction and accelerating through the gears in a way that belies his size.
2 - Mehdi Benatia
Barely one month after capturing Bentancur, Juve achieved another coup, acquiring Mehdi Benatia from Bayern Munich. Allegri was clearly more than convinced by the qualities of the Moroccan who spent the previous campaign on loan at the club, hence sanctioned the option for a permanent deal worth £14m.
Benatia garnered just 15 appearances for the Old Lady last term but could feature more prominently following Bonucci’s exit. Over time, the 30-year-old has earned a reputation as one of the best centre-backs due to his superb technique, ball-playing ability, tackling as well as ability in the air.
3 - Juan Cuadrado
Just when we thought further additions will not be made until the summer, Juventus snapped up Juan Cuadrado from Chelsea. Having been on loan at the club since 2015, the Colombian finally joined fully for £17m.
Throughout his two years with Allegri’s team, Cuadrado impressed on the flanks with his direct style of play. He didn’t get to score too many goals but showed an incredible offensive threat which allowed him to create for others.
4 - Douglas Costa
Douglas Costa becomes the latest loan arrival in Turin trailing the tracks of Cuadrado and Benatia. He moves to Italy on the back of two successful years with Bayern, winning four trophies.
Limited game time last season coupled with James Rodriguez’s arrival apparently forced the 26-year-old Brazilian out of Deutschland. He brings with him exceptional dribbling skills, pace and superb ball crossing ability.
5 - Mattia De Sciglio
While Bonucci was wrapping up a switch to Lombardy, Mattia De Sciglio was gearing up to head to the opposite direction. De Sciglio, who cost the reigning Italian champions around £10m is expected to fill the huge void left by Dani Alves.
The 24-year-old primarily a right-sided full-back, can slot comfortably also on the left side owing to his incredible ability with both feet. A reunion with Allegri, who gave him his debut at Milan, played a huge role in the deal.
6 - Wojciech Szczesny
Juventus has graciously sought after a long-term successor for legendary shot-stopper, Gianluigi Buffon. The search became even more intense on knowing the 39-year-old will quit the game at the end of the upcoming season.
Hence, the club’s resolve to sign Wojciech Szczesny for £10m from Arsenal. Szczesny fame appears to have surged after two brilliant years at Roma.
