Juventus are prepared to sell Lois Openda, Jonathan David, Edon Zhegrova, and Joao Mario after a series of underwhelming performances following their arrival last summer, according to reports in Italy. The move represents a significant reset for the club and a test for chief executive Damien Comolli, who is under pressure to deliver a squad capable of challenging for the Serie A title.
The decision to make all four players available comes less than a year after their signings, highlighting the extent of their failure to integrate into the team. While Juventus won’t be undergoing a complete overhaul of its technical staff or leadership, the club is aiming for a near-total refresh of its summer 2023 acquisitions. This mirrors a similar situation faced by previous sporting directors Beppe Marotta and Fabio Paratici, who rebuilt the squad after a disappointing season and seventh-place finish.
Openda, who cost the club nearly €37 million, has struggled significantly, scoring only two goals in his debut season. His difficulties adapting to the tactical approaches of both Massimiliano Allegri and Luciano Spalletti, combined with a €4 million annual salary, make finding a permanent buyer challenging. A loan move to clubs in the Bundesliga or Coventry City is currently considered the most likely outcome, with the hope that a change of scenery will revitalize his form.
Zhegrova and Joao Mario also face uncertain futures, though their situations differ from Openda’s. Zhegrova has seen limited playing time, accumulating just over 500 minutes on the pitch without registering a goal or assist. Joao Mario’s playing style is also deemed incompatible with Spalletti’s system. Both players are valued at around €12 million and €10 million respectively, making outright sales difficult, and loan deals are being explored.
Jonathan David’s situation is the most straightforward of the four. Despite a season falling short of expectations – 8 goals and 5 assists in 46 appearances – his arrival on a free transfer means Juventus are guaranteed to make a profit on any sale. The club values him at €25 million, and interest has been reported from Paris Saint-Germain, Newcastle United, and Crystal Palace. A strong performance during the upcoming international tournament, hosted in his native Canada, could further increase his value and attract more suitors.
Comolli’s primary task now is to navigate these challenging sales and rebuild the squad, aiming to deliver on the ownership’s ambition of winning the Serie A title.
