Keys to a Successful 2016 January Transfer Window for Juventus

As January draws ever closer, talk inevitably turns to the transfer window and the changes it may bring across the footballing landscape. Having endured a difficult start to 2015/16, that is especially true for Juventus, who are expected to reinforce their squad to ensure their recent positive results continue.

Indeed, the Bianconeri have won their last seven Serie A matches to move within three points of league leaders Inter, reigniting hope that the reigning champions will be able to mount a successful defence of the title they have won in each of the previous four campaigns.

In order to do so, however, the club must successfully negotiate the next month, managing both expectations and outside interference throughout the transfer period in order to reach February in the best possible shape.

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That also looks like it will be a difficult month for the Turin giants, with Napoli, Inter and Bayern Munich all set to visit Juventus Stadium, and the work done before that will be essential if the Bianconeri are to enjoy any level of success.

Speaking to Radio RAI following their final game of 2015, director general Beppe Marotta praised the club’s “patience and awareness," before going on to discuss what sets them apart from the competition (h/t Football Italia):

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Football is something that burns everything with incredible ease and the criticisms are harsh, without properly evaluating the work of the club, thus risking negative judgments. The ability of the President was to understand the situation, the strength of the team and the Coach.  

We assembled a squad with 10-12 players arriving from different leagues or teams with less pressure. All these factors have led to these difficulties, but the directors haven't acted on instinct and mood. Rather by objective assessments beyond the pitch.

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Those same steadfast beliefs will be required throughout January, and the club must apply the same resolve to holding onto some key figures that seem set to be targets of attention. Daniele Rugani perhaps leads that group, with Tuttosport (h/t Talksport) believing the young defender may join Sampdoria on loan.

The same source notes the interest of Arsenal and Manchester United in the 21-year-old, but as he proved in recent matches, he has much to offer Juventus, who would be foolish to let him go. Allegri called him “the future of Juventus” at a press conference in November, urging him to be patient, which is something the player himself knows he must be.

“I’ve only just started at Juventus and I knew that it wouldn’t be easy,” Rugani said in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport recently. “However, I must be ready when called upon.” Given his quality, Juventus themselves must be ready to rebuff any unwanted interest, while instead ushering out any unwanted players.

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Martin Caceres tops that list, yet to feature for the side after the club suspended him in September for a drink-driving incident. With his contract set to expire in the summer, the Bianconeri may do well to sell him in January, although a replacement could be needed.

That hints at the final key for Juve, which would be to replace anyone they allow to leave. With a combination of patience, the resolve to hold on to important players and the intelligence to replace anyone they sell, January can be a success for the club.

From there, that difficult clash with Pep Guardiola’s Bayern Munich awaits, but Juventus can ensure they are in the best possible position by working diligently over the forthcoming transfer period.