Hancko agreement in place with Juventus

Juventus’ pursuit of defensive reinforcements continues, with David Hancko emerging as the preferred choice for both the club’s management and coach Thiago Motta. The Slovak center-back from Feyenoord remains at the top of their wishlist to strengthen the backline.

While Fikayo Tomori was initially a strong contender, recent developments at AC Milan have complicated matters. The arrival of new coach Sergio Conceição has put any potential transfer on hold, as the Portuguese manager evaluates his squad. Moreover, Milan’s stance on a loan deal with an obligation to buy, valued between 25 to 30 million euros, doesn’t align with Juventus’ preferences.

According to Tuttosport, this situation has redirected Juventus’ focus more firmly towards Hancko. The versatile defender, capable of playing both as a center-back and left-back, offers tactical flexibility that appeals to Thiago Motta’s plans. Juventus’ sporting director, Cristiano Giuntoli, has maintained contact with Hancko’s representatives, having already outlined a contract proposal until 2029 worth 2.5 million euros per season plus bonuses.

However, Feyenoord’s reluctance to part with their prized asset remains a hurdle. The Dutch club is demanding at least 25 million euros for Hancko. Juventus are exploring ways to finance this deal, with the potential sale of Nicolò Fagioli being considered as a means to raise the necessary funds.

The timing of the transfer could play a crucial role. With the Dutch league set to resume on January 12th, Feyenoord faces a challenging schedule, including a pivotal Champions League match against Bayern Munich on January 22nd. A potential elimination from the Champions League might soften Feyenoord’s stance, potentially opening the door for Juventus to make their move.

As these negotiations continue behind the scenes, Juventus are also keeping an eye on other options. Antonio Silva remains a possibility, though he’s also attracting interest from Milan. The intricate web of transfer possibilities even extends to the forward line, with Kolo Muani being a shared target between Juventus and Milan. However, Joshua Zirkzee, who’s reportedly at odds with Manchester United, currently stands as the most straightforward and concrete option for the Bianconeri’s attack.

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