Juventus 2011/12 etched their place in history by completing an extraordinary 38-game unbeaten season and ending their nine-year long wait for the Scudetto. They also boasted the best defensive record of any team across the top leagues in Europe. With the return of Champions League football, Juventus will need to strengthen their squad to remain competitive and Venkat Akella takes a look at a few players who might help Juve’s cause in the 2012/13 season.
Martín Cáceres (Central Defender/ Right back, Aged 25) – Let’s begin with one that’s been wrapped up. The Italian giants confirmed that they’ve take the option to sign Martin Caceres from Sevilla after he impressed the Bianconeri faithful while on loan during the second half of the campaign and the Uruguayan international has put pen to paper on a four-year deal that’ll tie him to the Serie A champions until 2016.
Courtesy of Paul Blank
Luis Suarez (Striker at Liverpool, Aged 25) - Juventus are also now widening their net and that could be a worry for Liverpool as Suarez is on their hit list despite him publicly announcing his intention to remain at Anfield. The Uruguayan striker has had a troubled campaign at Liverpool following controversy both on and off the pitch and a move to the Turin giants might allow him to rebuild his shattered reputation. Meanwhile, Uruguayan defender Caceres recently admitted that Suarez had been in touch regarding a possible move to the Old Lady.
Paul Pogba (Midfielder at Manchester United, Aged 19) – Considered by many as one of the brightest stars in United’s academy, Pogba is a tall, long-legged midfielder with wonderful ability on the ball and a fine range of passing. He has been described by his club as a powerful and creative player with an eye for a goal. Reports from The Guardian indicate that Pogba has turned down a lucrative contract at Old Trafford to join the Italian outfit, his head seemingly turned by his agent and money on offer.
Stevan Jovetic (Second Striker at Fiorentina, Aged 22) – Jovetic plays as a Second striker and his impressive dribbling, close control and hair have drawn comparisons to the legendary Roberto Baggio. Scoring 14 goals in what was dubbed as the worst season for Fiorentina in their recent campaigns, a move away from Viola might just be another step forward in his career. Juventus are thought to be thinking about Jovetic as their heir to Del Piero.
Courtesy of Tutto Sport
Sebastian Giovinco (Attacking Midfielder at Parma, Aged 25) – A product of the Juventus youth system, Giovinco is currently co-owned by Juventus and Parma. He struck rich form at Parma this season, leading the scoring charts with 15 goals and providing 11 assists in the Serie A. With Conte rumoured to be keen admirer of the 25 year old, Juventus look determined to acquire the midfielder’s full economic rights and a move back to Juventus could well be on the cards.
Robin van Persie (Striker at Arsenal, Aged 28) – Robin van Persie turned heads around in Europe after topping the scoring charts in England with 30 league goals in 38 appearances. Juventus are looking to reinforce their forward line with Del Piero departing after spending close to two decades with the club and on-loan Marco Borriello returning to Roma. The Mirror suggests that Arsenal will find it difficult to turn down a bid in excess of £25M.
Serdar Tasci (Defender at VFB Stuttgart, Aged 25) - One of the bright spots in VfB Stuttgart’s Bundesliga campaign, the defender is on the radar of the power houses of Italian football – Juventus. The defender is rumored to have a €15 release clause in his contract and with Juventus keen to bolster their defence; this might just be the perfect match.
Courtesy of Funky Opti
Edin Džeko (Striker at Manchester City, Aged 26) – Dzeko, who cost Manchester City £27M in 2011, has fallen down the pecking order following the return of Carlos Tevez from his self-imposed exile. However, he wrote his name large in Manchester City’s history by equalizing in the second minute of stoppage time in the season defining game against Queens Park Rangers, which was crucial in the title win. With the win, and Mancini now in the market looking for established stars that can help City defend their Premiership crown, Dzeko might be surplus to Mancini’s requirements. A move to the Italian giants Juventus, where he’ll be a regular feature in the starting lineup whilst being involved in the Champions League might be too good a proposition to turn down, but it remains to be seen if Juventus can afford the expensive striker.
Leandro Damião (Striker at Internacional, Aged 22) – Brazilian football is on the rise with a host of young players making a name for themselves both at club level and on the international stage and Leandro is one among them. Already capped at International level, Leandro looks to continue in his predecessor’s steps by making a big money move to Europe. Juventus could be in pole position to sign him for a fee believed to be in the region of €15M. They might face unlikely competition from Tottenham Hotspur, but the chances of rubbing shoulders with Europe’s elite might be too good an opportunity to turn down for the Brazilian.
Edinson Cavani (Striker at Napoli, Aged 25) – Juventus might have one of the best defensive records in leagues across Europe, but their strike force was often found wanting with Matri losing form and focus mid-season. The lack of a top striker among their ranks is a concern with Juve’s midfielders outscoring their strikers this season. Rumours suggest that Juventus are preparing a bid of almost €50M to prize away the Uruguayan star.
