Pogba, Di Maria & more: Is Juventus ready for comeback?
After nine consecutive years of dominating Serie A, Juventus lost their throne at the top of Italian football in the last two seasons to Inter Milan and AC Milan. Finally, after two underwhelming years and with the club’s competency being heavily questioned - it seems like Juve has finally awakened - on the transfer market, at least. Consecutive big-name transfers have been announced this week from the Turin club: Angel Di Maria, followed by Paul Pogba - both as free agents.
Pogba welcomed by Juve fans in his return
Di Maria is a winner and champion, which he has proven his whole career. Except for the short stint at Man United, the Argentinian winger was a crucial piece to every team he has been on. Champions League, La Liga, Ligue 1, and most recently, Copa America - the man has won it all. Age might be an issue, but six goals and seven assists across all competitions are not bad at all - and we had already witnessed what a 34-year-old Di Maria can do in the Finalissima. With Dusan Vlahovic and a healthy Federico Chiesa, Juventus might have for themselves a promising attacking front three. Di Maria will wear No. 22, which he had worn with Real Madrid.
Di Maria will wear No. 22 at Juventus
Paul Pogba, a rather controversial figure, is loved and welcomed by Juventus fans. Serie A has seen what this man can do in the Juve shirt. A highly anticipated signing - time will tell if Pogba can find the explosive form that had solidified himself in the heart of Juve fans. Pogba’s biggest challenge will be playing in a much weaker midfield than his last stint, where he had Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal alongside him. Additionally, the departure of Paulo Dybala had left the No. 10 shirt open - with many speculations that Pogba will wear the number again.
Pogba previously wore No. 10 at Juventus
The exit of Giorgio Chiellini to LAFC means Juventus will be looking for a center-back as a replacement. Moreover, as Bayern Munich is eyeing Matthijs De Ligt - Juve’s need for a top-quality center-back is more important than ever. Kalidou Koulibaly of Napoli has been discussed as a potential target, but it remains to be seen how Juve will fill that hole in their defense.