Juventus has kicked off its summer transfer window with the signing of right-back Joao Mario from Porto. The 25-year-old Portuguese defender, represented by the same agent as Francisco Conceição, joins the Bianconeri in a swap deal involving Alberto Costa—a fully Portuguese transaction.
Costa, who arrived last January, never truly convinced either Thiago Motta or Igor Tudor. Valued at around €15 million, he heads to Portugal, while Joao Mario is estimated to be worth approximately €10 million.
On paper, Juventus is acquiring a right-back with international experience and more defensive solidity—an area in which Costa was often lacking due to his attacking tendencies. However, skepticism among the fans remains strong.
There is confidence in the work Tudor can bring as head coach, but doubts linger around new General Director Damien Comolli. Several pressing issues are already on his desk: Douglas Luiz failed to report for preseason, Dusan Vlahovic’s contract situation remains unresolved, Nico Gonzalez is being shopped around to the highest bidder, and Juventus has been out of the title race for far too long.
The club is still looking to sign another right-back, especially due to ongoing fitness concerns with Nicolò Savona. Targets include Nelson Semedo (formerly of Barcelona), Nahuel Molina (Atlético Madrid), and Silvan Widmer (formerly of Udinese).
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In defense, Tudor is hoping to reunite with Leonardo Balerdi, the Italo-Argentine center-back who was one of his key players at Marseille. His presence would add much-needed depth and experience to a back line that struggled last season.
In midfield, Juventus is searching for a powerful and hard-running defensive midfielder to rotate with Khéphren Thuram. The club is keeping a close eye on Yves Bissouma (Tottenham) and Florentino Luis (Benfica), while Morten Hjulmand remains the dream signing for the Bianconeri management.
Up front, the situation is still fluid. As it stands, Jonathan David is the only true striker available. With Vlahovic seemingly on his way out, much of the attacking setup will depend on what happens in the outgoing market.
In short, this is a Juventus team still under construction—ambitious, but riddled with uncertainty. Will Comolli and his staff be able to provide the answers fans are desperately waiting for?
