The algorithm era is over at Juventus. In its place comes a more instinctive, relationship-driven approach to the transfer market — and nowhere is that better illustrated than in the surprising emergence of Radu Drăgușin as a potential defensive target this summer. The Romanian centre-back, who spent the 2022-23 season on loan at Genoa from Juventus before joining Tottenham Hotspur two summers ago, could yet complete a remarkable homecoming to the Allianz Stadium.
How the Story Began
The intrigue began almost by chance, at the margins of a conversation between Juventus sporting director Marco Ottolini and the Giuffrida brothers — the agents who represent Drăgușin. It was they who sounded out potential bianconeri interest, having learned that Tottenham are now determined to sell.
Drăgușin has made only around ten Premier League appearances in his time at Spurs, and with Roberto De Zerbi now recruiting heavily in defence — bringing in Robertson and Senesi, with Van Hecke also close to joining from Brighton — there is simply no path to regular football for the Romanian at the club. Tottenham need the funds to finance their own spending, Drăgușin needs a move, and his agents know exactly who to call.
Ottolini’s Masterclass — and the Circular Nature of This Deal
The history here is rich with irony. It was Ottolini himself who originally took Drăgușin from Juventus to Genoa on a loan with obligation to buy for €9.7 million — one of the most astute pieces of business of his career. Genoa subsequently sold him to Tottenham for €28 million, generating a significant capital gain. Now, with Tottenham setting a price of between €20 and €25 million — slightly below what they originally paid — the thread between Ottolini and the Giuffrida brothers could see the story come full circle, with Juventus reacquiring a player they once let go for a fraction of what he subsequently commanded.
The Conditions That Must Be Met
Juventus have not dismissed the idea — the valuation is broadly in line with what the club could afford in the right circumstances. The caveat, as with almost everything this summer, is that sales must precede purchases. The imminent departure of Muharemović — for whom Juventus hold a 50% sell-on clause, and whom Spalletti has reportedly given the green light to sell given reservations about his characteristics — and the return of Pedro Felipe from his Sassuolo loan are the most immediate pieces of the puzzle to resolve.
Should those outgoings not generate sufficient funds, Juventus would need to sacrifice one of Gatti, Kelly, or Bremer — the latter’s €58 million release clause activating on 1 July. The club are taking their time, aware that Fiorentina and others may move for Drăgușin in the interim.
A Broader Defensive Picture Taking Shape
Beyond Drăgușin, Carnevali’s first incoming meetings will also revisit several targets that survived the transition from the Comolli era: John Stones, available on a free transfer from Manchester City; David Alaba; Kim Min-jae; and Jhon Lucumí of Bologna all remain under consideration.
The picture is complex, the budget tight, and the margin for error — as Tuttosport notes — close to zero after the operational missteps of recent seasons. But for the first time in a long while, Juventus have a sporting director with a personal history with their targets and the instincts to navigate a market that rewards relationships over algorithms. Drăgușin coming home would be the perfect opening statement.
