Juventus is preparing for a summer of transition on the right side of defence, where the hierarchy is clear but the supporting cast is set for a complete overhaul. Pierre Kalulu, the undisputed starter after an exceptional season that saw him miss out on a World Cup spot only due to France's incredible depth in the position, will remain the pillar of the flank. Behind him, however, the situation is fluid: Emil Holm's loan from Bologna will not be extended, and Joao Mario is expected to return from his temporary spell at the Rossoblu only to be moved on. This leaves the Bianconeri with a numerical gap that they aim to fill with a high-profile free agent, Oscar Mingueza, though the competition from richer clubs looms large.
Holm's spell in Turin was always going to be a stopgap solution. Arriving in January in a swap deal that saw another player go the other way, the Swedish international struggled to dislodge Kalulu and provided little more than rotational cover. An injury later ruled him out of the World Cup, further limiting his impact. With the loan expiring, Bologna have no obligation to buy, and Juventus see no reason to negotiate a permanent transfer. Holm will return to Emilia-Romagna, likely to be reintegrated into a squad that will soon be under new management following Domenico Tedesco's imminent appointment.
Joao Mario's case is slightly more complex but points toward the same outcome. The Portuguese full-back spent the season on loan at Bologna, where he worked under Vincenzo Italiano. However, Italiano's departure and Tedesco's arrival significantly diminish the chances of the move being made permanent. Juventus, for their part, are not counting on him as a first-team option and will likely look to sell him this summer. His return to Continassa will be brief, as the club seeks to generate funds and trim the squad.
This leaves a clear need for a reliable backup to Kalulu. Sporting director Marco Ottolini has revived interest in Oscar Mingueza, the Spanish right-back who is now a free agent after his contract with Celta Vigo expired. The 26-year-old is a product of Barcelona's famed La Masia academy and has developed into a technically proficient, tactically intelligent defender capable of also playing at center-back. Ottolini attempted to land Mingueza in January, but Celta held out for a fee of at least €2 million, which Juve deemed excessive for a non-starter. Now, with the player available on a free transfer, the equation has changed—but so has the competition.
Aston Villa, fresh off winning the Europa League and qualified for the Champions League, have emerged as the frontrunners. Manager Unai Emery is a long-time admirer and can offer not only a starting role but also the allure of European football and a far more lucrative contract than Juventus can propose. Villarreal are also closely monitoring the situation, adding a La Liga option that could appeal to the defender's desire to remain in Spain. Juventus find themselves in a difficult position: without Champions League football to offer and constrained by a more rigid wage structure, they must convince Mingueza to accept a secondary role behind Kalulu while competing with Villarreal's potential starting spot and Villa's financial might.
The situation is further complicated by events on the opposite flank. Andrea Cambiaso, the versatile left-back who has been a revelation, could be on his way out. Napoli and other clubs have shown interest, and a significant offer might tempt Juventus to cash in. If Cambiaso departs, the priority on the right would temporarily shift, as replacing him would become urgent. Ottolini's recent interest in Liverpool's Andrew Robertson—though the player ultimately honored his commitment to Tottenham—underlines the seriousness of the left-back situation. Any delay in resolving Cambiaso's future could impact the timeline for securing Mingueza, as the budget and focus might need reallocation.
From a tactical perspective, securing a competent understudy for Kalulu is essential. The Frenchman's consistency and durability have been impressive, but the condensed fixture list and potential injuries require a reliable backup. Mingueza fits the profile: experienced yet still young, comfortable in possession, and with the versatility to cover multiple defensive roles. His free-agent status also aligns with Juventus' recent strategy of seeking value in the market. However, the Bianconeri must act swiftly and decisively. Aston Villa's financial advantage and Villarreal's emotional pull could see Mingueza slip away, forcing Juve to explore less appealing alternatives.
The broader implications for Juventus are significant. A well-structured squad with reliable depth is crucial for competing on multiple fronts, even without Champions League football. The right flank, with Kalulu in place, is not a crisis point, but neglecting it could expose the team over a long season. The management's ability to navigate a competitive market while balancing the books will be tested. For Mingueza, the move to Turin would represent a chance to rebuild his career at a historic club, but the lure of the Premier League or a return home to Spain may prove too strong.
In the end, Juve's right-back conundrum encapsulates the challenges facing Italian clubs in the modern transfer landscape: the need to be smart, patient, and occasionally lucky. Ottolini has shown he can spot talent, but landing a target like Mingueza in the face of Anglo-Saxon money and Spanish suitors will require more than just ambition. The coming weeks will reveal whether the Bianconeri can reinforce their squad without Champions League appeal, or if they'll be left scrambling for plan B.
Based on reporting from Tuttosport.
