Juventus find themselves in a defensive crisis following a string of unfortunate injuries. After losing Gleison Bremer, the Bianconeri have now also lost Juan Cabal, making a return to the transfer market a necessity for the Turin-based club. Reports from Colombia suggest that Cabal may have suffered a knee ligament injury, potentially sidelining the former Verona player for the remainder of the season. This setback deprives coach Thiago Motta of a valuable utility player and leaves Juventus critically short in defense.
Calciomercato report how the club had already planned to acquire a central defender in January, but now Cristiano Giuntoli, Juventus’ sporting director, is aiming for a double deal to bolster the backline. Contacts and preliminary inquiries have already begun, with Milan Skriniar emerging as the primary target. The former Inter Milan defender is currently on the fringes at Paris Saint-Germain and could be released by the French club.
Alongside Skriniar, Juventus is also considering his compatriot, David Hancko from Feyenoord. Initially targeted for the summer of 2025, the club is now evaluating the possibility of advancing this investment to January. Hancko, a 26-year-old former Fiorentina player, has become a cornerstone for both Feyenoord and the Slovakian national team under Francesco Calzona.
Feyenoord values Hancko at around 30 million euros, a significant sum that could prove challenging for Juventus unless creative financing options are explored. However, the good relationship between the two clubs, strengthened by the Facundo Gonzalez deal last summer, could facilitate negotiations. A loan with an option or obligation to buy might make the operation feasible.
While focusing on Skriniar and Hancko, Juventus is keeping its options open. Alternatives to Skriniar include Kevin Danso from Lens, Radu Dragusin from Tottenham, Jaka Bijol from Udinese, Joachim Andersen from Fulham, and Jonathan Tah, whose contract with Bayer Leverkusen is expiring, though Bayern Munich is showing strong interest.
As a backup plan for Hancko in the left-footed defender role, Jakub Kiwior from Arsenal remains on Juventus’ radar.
