Juventus’ pursuit of defensive reinforcements has hit a snag as Feyenoord rejected their latest approach for David Hancko. The Bianconeri, facing a defensive crisis with long-term injuries to Bremer and Cabal, and the imminent departure of Danilo, are desperately seeking to bolster their backline.
Gianluca di Marzio reports that Hancko, the 27-year-old Slovakian international, has been a top target for Juventus. However, Feyenoord’s ambitions of qualifying for next season’s Champions League have made them reluctant to part with their key defender. The Dutch club’s stance is further solidified by the lack of a suitable replacement for Hancko in their squad.
Despite the setback, Juventus remains persistent in their efforts to secure Hancko’s services. The club’s sporting director, Cristiano Giuntoli, has reportedly maintained contact with Hancko’s representatives, with a contract proposal until 2029 worth €2.5 million per season plus bonuses already outlined.
As the Hancko situation becomes more complicated, Juventus is keeping their options open. The club is closely monitoring the situations of Ronald Araujo at Barcelona and António Silva at Benfica. However, any movement on these fronts depends on potential openings from their respective clubs.
Araujo, the Uruguayan centre-back, has been a consistent performer for Barcelona, while António Silva, despite recent struggles for playing time, remains a highly-rated prospect. Juventus is hoping that either Barcelona or Benfica might show willingness to negotiate as the transfer window progresses.
The urgency for Juventus to strengthen their defence is palpable. With the team currently sitting in sixth place in Serie A, albeit unbeaten, manager Thiago Motta is keen to add depth and quality to his defensive options. The versatility of targets like Hancko, who can play both as a centre-back and left-back, is particularly appealing given the team’s current injury woes.
As the January transfer window enters its second week, Juventus finds itself at a crucial juncture. The club must navigate financial constraints while addressing immediate defensive needs. Whether they can breakthrough with Feyenoord for Hancko or pivot successfully to alternatives like Araujo or Silva remains to be seen. What’s clear is that the Bianconeri’s defensive reinforcement saga is far from over, and the coming days could prove pivotal in shaping their backline for the remainder of the season.
