Juventus are preparing for a new era in defence under coach Igor Tudor, with the highly anticipated return of Brazilian center-back Gleison Bremer. After suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury last season, Bremer has been making significant progress in his recovery. Although he was present on the bench during the Club World Cup, his return to the pitch is now just around the corner. His comeback is expected to provide a major boost to Juventus’ defensive stability as they gear up for the upcoming campaign.
Balerdi: The First Choice That Got Away
La Gazzetta dello Sport report (as quoted by IlBianconero) how Leonardo Balerdi was at the top of Juventus’ wishlist for defensive reinforcements. Tudor, who previously coached Balerdi at Marseille, was eager to reunite with the Argentine defender in Turin. However, Marseille has taken a firm stance, declaring Balerdi untouchable and refusing to enter negotiations. The French club considers him a cornerstone of their squad, especially after a strong season and their return to the Champions League. Despite Balerdi’s openness to the move, Juventus have been forced to look elsewhere for defensive options.
Jeff Chabot Emerges as Plan B
With Balerdi off the table, Juventus has turned its attention to Jeff Chabot, the imposing left-footed centre-back from Stuttgart. Standing at around 195 cm, Chabot fits the physical and tactical profile Tudor is seeking. Juventus has been monitoring Chabot for some time, and the defender made a strong impression when Stuttgart faced Juventus in the Champions League last October.
Chabot’s attributes—strength, composure, and left-footedness—make him a natural partner for Bremer in the heart of defence. His arrival could also coincide with the possible departure of Lloyd Kelly, who joined the club in January but may already be on his way out.
The Cost of Signing Chabot
Stuttgart acquired Chabot from FC Köln just a year ago for €4 million. His value has since risen following a solid season in the Bundesliga. Current estimates suggest that a transfer fee in the range of €20–25 million could be enough to secure his services. Juventus sees Chabot as a cost-effective yet high-upside addition to their defensive ranks, and negotiations are expected to intensify in the coming days.
