Stay or Go? Deciding Which Players Juventus Should Keep & Offload This Summer

This summer could see a number of high-profile Juventus players departing
This summer could see a number of high-profile Juventus players departing / Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images
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It seems odd to suggest the Italian champions have had an underwhelming campaign – but that’s exactly how the Juventus hierarchy would describe their 2019/20 season.

With the Bianconeri forced to wait at least another year before finally being crowned champions of Europe – a title which has eluded them since 1996 – manager Maurizio Sarri was handed his marching orders following their last 16 defeat to Lyon.

As with any managerial change, the decision is likely to have ramifications for the club’s playing staff, as the new man - in this case, the legendary Andrea Pirlo - looks to stamp his authority on the club.

So, with that in mind, 90min takes a look at every first-team player at Juventus and decides whether they should stay or go this summer…


1. Goalkeepers

Wojciech Szczęsny  will retain his spot as number one
Wojciech Szczęsny will retain his spot as number one / Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images

Wojciech Szczęsny (STAY) - Named the best goalkeeper in Serie A last season and likely to retain the number one spot.

Carlo Pinsoglio (STAY) - Despite a combined eight-year stay at the club over two spells, made very few first-team appearances but will likely be kept as backup.

Gianluigi Buffon (STAY) - A muted new one-year deal in the offing, and will probably be playing for the club when he's 50.

Mattia Perin (GO) - Perin's move to Benfica broke down following problems at the medical. Been on loan at Genoa since January and is likely to be moved on as Juve look to generate cash.


2. Centre Backs

At just 20 Matthijs de Ligt  is already one of the best defenders in Serie A
At just 20 Matthijs de Ligt is already one of the best defenders in Serie A / Stefano Guidi/Getty Images

Giorgio Chiellini (STAY) - Spent the majority of the 2019/20 campaign ruled out through injury. Chiellini is undoubtedly in the twilight of his career, though will provide useful squad depth.

Matthijs de Ligt (STAY) - At just 20 years of age, De Ligt already looks one of the best defenders in Serie A. While change at the club may be afoot, the youngster will be a big part of their future plans.

Leonardo Bonucci (STAY) - A mainstay in the Juventus defence and will definitely be at the club next season.

Daniele Rugani (GO) - Hasn't really developed as the Bianconeri would have hoped. Injuries haven't helped his cause, though he looks set for pastures new having slipped down the pecking order.

Merih Demiral (STAY) - Made very few first-team appearances in his first year in Turin, though at 22 there's still plenty of potential for development.


3. Full Backs

Alex Sandro is unlikely to be leaving this summer
Alex Sandro is unlikely to be leaving this summer / Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images

Alex Sandro (STAY) - Alex Sandro has been a constant part of the first-team setup since arriving at the club 2015 and his energetic displays have become a feature of their play.

Danilo (STAY) - Much of his first season in Turin was interrupted by injuries and Sarri tinkering with the starting XI. A new manager represents a fresh start and he's likely to remain at the club.

Mattia De Sciglio (STAY) - Another player whose season was hampered by injury. A useful squad player and a much-needed deputy in a position where the Old Lady lack any real depth.


4. Central Midfielders

At 33 Sami Khedira may well be moved on to free up space on the wage bill
At 33 Sami Khedira may well be moved on to free up space on the wage bill / TF-Images/Getty Images

Miralem Pjanić (GO) - An agreement has already been reached with Barcelona, with Arthur arriving in the summer as part of the deal.

Sami Khedira (GO) - Juventus' financial issues have been well documented over the last few years, with the club forced to depend on swap deals as they seek to bring in fresh faces. At 33 Khedira is a big earner and could be one of those they look to move on in an attempt to free up space on the payroll.

Blaise Matuidi (GO) - Struggled to adapt to Sarri's system though remained an ever-present in the side. Could be sold as the club looks to bring fresh legs into an ageing midfield.

Adrien Rabiot (STAY) - Made his way into the side despite spending the majority of the early weeks on the bench. Has a lot of qualities to offer the incoming manager.

Rodrigo Bentancur (STAY) - Has improved each year since arriving at the club in 2017 and looks to have a big future ahead of him.

Aaron Ramsey (STAY) - The Juve faithful are still yet to be convinced of the former Arsenal man's quality. However, given another season to bed into Italian football he could prove to be a quality addition.


5. Attacking Midfielders

Bernardeschi could have played his last game for Juve
Bernardeschi could have played his last game for Juve / Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images

Paulo Dybala (STAY) - After looking as though his Juve career could be set to come to an end, Dybala has enjoyed an incredible turnaround and is back to being one of the best players at the club.

Federico Bernardeschi (GO) - The Italian has had more than enough chances, and if the club yet again go in search of swap deals he'll prove a handsome makeweight.

Douglas Costa (STAY) - Occasionally erratic but on his day can be absolutely unplayable.

Juan Cuadrado (STAY) - Has filled in at right-back when needed this year. Relies heavily on pace which may be an issue given he's now 32, though it would be difficult to see the club letting go of such an influential player.

Marko Pjaca (GO) - After three underwhelming loan deals it's hard to see a future for Pjaca at Juventus. They'll likely lose money on the original deal but he's not going to feature in first-team plans.


6. Forwards

Even at 35 Cristiano Ronaldo is bound to play a key part for Juventus next season
Even at 35 Cristiano Ronaldo is bound to play a key part for Juventus next season / Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images

Gonzalo Higuaín (GO) - If Juve really are serious about balancing the books, they have to say goodbye to Higuaín. Just eight league goals last season and at 32 he's one of their top earners.

Cristiano Ronaldo (STAY) - Don't really need to say much more than that do we? Ronaldo bagged 37 goals this season and still looks every bit a world-class player.