Juventus to consider Jonathan David sale as striker's future in doubt
Juventus are open to selling Canadian striker Jonathan David this summer, with a fee of €25-30 million likely to be sufficient to secure his services, according to reports from Italy. The 24-year-old, who joined the Bianconeri on a free transfer from Lille last summer, has struggled to consistently find the net in his debut Serie A season, scoring just 7 goals in 40 appearances across all competitions.
The club's financial situation and the player's high salary, reported to be around €6 million net per season, are key factors in the decision to consider offers. Juventus are believed to be open to a sale if their valuation is met, with the club viewing a potential sale as a way to recoup a significant fee for a player they signed for no transfer fee. David's high salary makes a departure increasingly likely as the club looks to manage its wage structure.
Despite his struggles in front of goal, David has remained a key figure in manager Luciano Spalletti's plans, often leading the line in a challenging season. His recent performances, particularly in a recent match against Genoa, have convinced the coaching staff to build the attack around his attributes, utilizing his pace in behind defenses. Spalletti is reportedly devising a tactical plan to maximize David's strengths, surrounding him with more creative, technical players like Kenan Yildiz and Samuel Iling-Junior to create space for his runs.
However, his future in Turin appears increasingly uncertain. According to the reports, several clubs are monitoring the situation, with Lyon, Marseille, West Ham United, and Nottingham Forest all credited with interest. A return to Ligue 1, where David previously excelled with Lille, is considered a strong possibility. The French clubs, Lyon and Marseille, are understood to be long-term admirers, while Premier League sides have tracked the Canadian international for several seasons.
For Juventus, the primary objective for the final matches is to secure a top-four finish and Champions League football. David's performances in the run-in will be crucial, not only for the club's ambitions but also to showcase his value to potential suitors. A strong end to the season could solidify interest and ensure Juventus commands a fee closer to the €30 million mark, a significant return on an initial free transfer. His departure would free up substantial funds and wage budget for the club's summer rebuild, but would also leave a significant gap in the squad's forward line that would need to be addressed.
