Juventus on the Cusp of Change: A Role-by-Role Assessment

Just over a year has passed, and the danger is palpable: history might well repeat itself. Juventus, who brought a staggering 16 fresh faces into the squad since last summer and the winter transfer window under Thiago Motta’s stewardship, could well face another seismic shift in the coming months. The results of this season hang heavily over the club's fortunes, rendering any assessment of the campaign disappointingly tame.

First on the chopping block is undeniably Thiago Motta. As murmurs grow about his future, the former Bologna boss is under pressure to salvage the season, though even that may not secure his vision for the club in the shadows of the Mole. If the manager’s tenure is under scrutiny, it’s little surprise that several players are also feeling the heat; players who arrived in Turin with lofty expectations have, unfortunately, delivered performances that fell woefully short of what was required.

Goalkeepers Remain Steady

In the goalkeeping department, no major surprises are anticipated. Michele Di Gregorio is set to be the man between the sticks for both now and the future, while Mattia Perin will continue with his familiar role in the rotation. Carlo Pinsoglio is likewise poised to maintain his position as the third choice.

Defensive Considerations

Turning attention to the back line, there’s much speculation surrounding Andrea Cambiaso's future. The interest from Manchester City, particularly from Pep Guardiola’s camp, was evident during the winter transfer window, suggesting that a more substantial pursuit could materialise in the upcoming months. Meanwhile, Renato Veiga has shown promise, yet his time in Turin is limited as his move was a dry loan from Chelsea, necessitating discussions if Juventus wish to extend his stay.

Midfield Dynamics

The midfield is another area of significant debate. Juventus brought in high-profile talents like Khephren Thuram, Teun Koopmeiners, and Douglas Luiz, in the hope of transforming their midfield. While Thuram has been a solid addition, the same can’t be said for the Dutchman and the Brazilian. Koopmeiners’ struggles have led to him being a shadow of his former self, while Douglas Luiz's issues with form and fitness have made his departure a real possibility.

Attacking Uncertainty

Up front, the uncertainty is even greater. Dusan Vlahovic, currently tied to Juventus until 2026 and on a substantial salary, is likely to be on the move with talks of renewal stalled. His diminishing role in Motta's plans has seen him pushed aside for Randal Kolo Muani, who is also facing an unclear future as he’s due back at PSG after June 30. Juventus need to secure a Champions League spot to negotiate effectively with the French club.

While Nico Gonzalez seems poised to stay, the futures of Kenan Yildiz and Samuel Mbangula hang in the balance, particularly if the team fails to secure a top-four finish. Premier League clubs are already circling like hawks. The situation with the promising Belgian, who had a breakthrough year with the Next Gen, also poses a dilemma as the club contends with financial considerations.

In sum, the summer of 2025 may herald another wave of transformation for Juventus—a true test of the club's resolve and strategic direction.