Juventus have identified Leonardo Balerdi as their first-choice target to reinforce the defence, with head coach Igor Tudor strongly advocating for the Argentine centre-back. Gazzetta dello sport report (as quoted by IlBianconero) how Tudor, who previously worked with Balerdi at Marseille, sees him as the ideal fit to address the defensive vulnerabilities that have become increasingly evident, especially after the heavy defeat to Manchester City at the Club World Cup.
Why Balerdi?
Balerdi’s versatility and familiarity with Tudor’s tactical system make him particularly attractive to Juventus. The Argentine has established himself as a consistent and reliable performer in Ligue 1, accumulating significant experience and even serving as captain at Marseille. His ability to play across all positions in a three-man defence aligns perfectly with Tudor’s preferred setup.
Transfer Obstacles
Despite Juventus’ clear interest, negotiations are proving difficult. Marseille, preparing for their Champions League campaign, consider Balerdi a key player and are currently unwilling to entertain offers for him. The French club’s resistance is a major hurdle, and they are determined to maintain squad stability by holding on to their captain. However, the transfer market is unpredictable, and Juventus remain hopeful that circumstances could change quickly.
Squad Changes Required
To make room for Balerdi, Juventus are looking to offload several defenders. Tiago Djalò, Daniele Rugani, and Lloyd Kelly are among those most likely to depart, with the club hoping for interest from the Premier League, particularly for Kelly, who has not fully convinced since his arrival.
Alternative Options
While Balerdi remains the priority, Juventus are also evaluating other defensive targets. Names such as Nayef Aguerd (West Ham), Jhon Lucumí (Bologna), Jeff Chabot (Stuttgart), and Ronald Araújo (Barcelona) are on the shortlist, but none have emerged as a clear alternative. The club’s technical staff, led by general manager Damien Comolli, are conducting daily meetings in Orlando to assess their options and move quickly if an opportunity arises.
Work Continues in Attack
Alongside defensive reinforcements, Juventus are also focused on strengthening their attack. Negotiations with Jonathan David’s representatives are progressing, and optimism is growing that an agreement could be reached soon, potentially even before the high-profile clash with Real Madrid.
