Calling True or False on 3 Recent Juventus Transfer Rumours
While Juventus are undoubtedly enjoying a good run of form, as January draws nearer talk inevitably turns to the opening of the transfer window. In little under one month’s time, the Bianconeri will be able to address a number of key issues, with solving them arguably likely to be the difference between glory and failure.
Coach Massimiliano Allegri is already beginning to face questions about what that period may mean for his squad, particularly as certain possible targets emerge. Speaking at his press conference ahead of this week’s meeting with Lazio, the former Milan boss simply dismissed them, telling reporters per Football Italia:
"I’m focused on objectives that are much more important than rumours about the transfer market. In a month there will be the January mercato and then you (the media) will be happy to move players from one place to another.
We’re thinking about what we must do this year. There aren’t any problems with the team, I have several players available and ready to have a great game.
"
While there may be some element of truth to that statement, the rumours will continue, and what follows is a look at three such stories that have emerged recently, along with an explanation of why each may be true or false.
Robert Soriano to Ease Injury Woes?
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With Sami Khedira, Kwadwo Asamoah and Mario Lemina all struggling to remain healthy, the Calciomercato website (h/t Football Italia) believes that Robert Soriano might well be a January option for Juventus.
It believes his current club Sampdoria would insist the player’s buyout clause is met, and sporting director Carlo Osti has admitted they would assess any official approach. “He has a release clause of €15 million,” the official pointed out in an interview with Il Secolo XIX (h/t Football Italia).
“If someone comes in for him, we’ll evaluate it, but right now there’s nothing,” he continued, and with that aforementioned trio already recovered or expected back soon it seems an unlikely outlay.
Verdict: False
Simone Zaza on the Move?
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Struggling to find playing time with Alvaro Morata and Mario Mandzukic ahead of him, it has been widely reported that Simone Zaza may leave Juventus in January. With the Italian striker understandably wanting to feature regularly as Euro 2016 approaches, he has been linked with a trio of Premier League clubs.
According to the Daily Star (h/t Forza Italian Football), Stoke City, Watford and West Ham United are all believed to have expressed interest in bringing the 24-year-old to England. Furthermore, former Cagliari director Nicola Salerno has told the Calciomercato website that one of them is certainly looking to sign him.
“He’s a very good player,” Salerno—who now works as a consultant for Watford—said of Zaza (h/t Football Italia). “We must find out if Juventus are open to talks and would consider a sale,” he added. It could well be true that the player does indeed make a temporary move away from Turin.
Verdict: True
Paul Pogba Back in Manchester
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Earlier this week, Paul Pogba was spotted in England, fuelling rumours he may be headed to Manchester City in the near future. According to Gazzetta World, his agent Mino Raiola says the Juventus midfielder will not move in January but could head for the exit in the summer for a world-record sum.
The report noted Pogba was in the city visiting family and friends, but it would be no surprise if he did indeed leave the Bianconeri before the 2016/17 campaign begins.
Verdict: False in January, true next summer
