Juventus are reportedly preparing for life without Paul Pogba and have identified Pierre-Emile Højbjerg as his potential replacement. News emerged yesterday that Pogba’s counter-analysis sample for raised levels of steroid had also come back positive, meaning the Frenchman could face a lengthy ban that could reach up to four years. The news could effectively end the midfielder’s career with Juve, with reports suggesting the club could look to terminate his contract in the coming months.
La Gazzetta dello Sport report that the Bianconeri have already been looking for Pogba’s replacement, with the main candidate being Tottenham midfielder Hojbjerg.
The newspaper suggests the Premier League side may be prepared to let him leave in winter, provided they find a replacement, since they will lose two players in midfield in January for the African Cup of Nations.
La Gazzetta suggest that Juve may also return to the transfer window to find another winger for coach Max Allegri’s squad, and may make another convincing offer to Sassuolo for Domenico Berardi. Another option could be Shakhtar Donetsk youngster Heorhiy Sudakov, who director Cristiano Giuntoli likes a lot and who reflects the new Juventus plan of “young and low-cost” players.
