Max Allegri’s cryptic comments almost confirm new arrival at Juventus

Max Allegri was recently asked about the future of potential free kick takers. The Juventus boss was rather cryptic about his response, and also told reporters that a new player is expected to join the club. 

Here is what he had to say: “We have Cristiano [Ronaldo], who is good at shooting from distance, as well as [Paulo] Dybala, who is good from a closer range,” Allegri said.

“And soon a good right-footed player who can take freekicks could be arriving.”

A lot of media outlets have taken the profile of the potential new player as that of Miralem Pjanic making a return to Turin. The Bosnian is on his way out of Barcelona, and even though he is expected to travel to Germany with Barcelona’s pre-season squad, a deal for a move away could be negotiated soon. Pjanic was one of the designated set piece specialists while at Juventus, and he could take up the role again. 

But, from a more realistic lens, the player Allegri was talking about is Manuel Locatelli of Sassuolo. The Italian midfielder is a right-footed player and also takes set pieces for Sassuolo alongside Berardi. Juventus are interested in him, and he wants a switch to Turin as well. Hence, Allegri’s comments seem more likely to indicate the arrival of Locatelli than a reunion with Pjanic. 

Locatelli has attracted interest from various clubs across Europe, and a deal to Juventus now looks closer than ever before.