download All Football App

Juventus set for free-transfer ins and outs with Jorginho and Chris Smalling out of contracts

  /  autty

Juventus have long reigned supreme as kings of the free transfer market, but that title has brought the club mixed success over the years.

They have struck gold in the past by securing free deals for the likes of Andrea Pirlo, with the classy midfielder going on to inspire four consecutive Serie A title wins as well as a run to the Champions League final.

But Juve also know that not all costless transfers go to plan, as Nicolas Anelka's disastrous loan spell in 2013, when he made just three appearances for club, goes to show.

They are likely to sanction even more ins and outs under the Bosman ruling this summer, so which of their out-of-contract stars could stay or go? And which other free agents are available?

The Old Lady will face a number of big decisions over the coming months and Sportsmail has taken a look at six potential departures and arrivals on free transfers in Turin.

OUT?

Juan Cuadrado

After so many years, Juventus are ready to release Juan Cuadrado when his deal expires in the summer. The Colombia star is 34 years old and will leave the team in June to look for the last big contract of his career.

His contribution has been exceptional over the past seven years, providing many assists for his attacking companions.

Though while his £5m-a-year salary was automatically renewed in March 2022 after reaching a certain number of Serie A appearances, the club has no intention of extending it again.

According to Tuttosport, Cuadrado is set to join Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia at the end of the season to play for Al-Nassr, along with his Colombia teammate David Ospina. The physical problems he has suffered and his miles on the clock have seen the former Chelsea winger lose some appeal, however, as there are not many other options on the table for him.

Alex Sandro

Alex Sandro's career appeared over in November 2022, when he displayed the worst of his repertoire.

A previously dynamic full-back, Sandro has lost the strength and muscular explosiveness in his legs, while his speed has decreased drastically, but Massimiliano Allegri has managed to find a new role for him.

He has since become of the league's best central defenders as part of an all-Brazilian three-man backline alongside Gleison Bremer and Danilo. Allegri is a great admirer of the player and has asked Juve to present a contract renewal offer for him. However, new CEO Maurizio Scanavino has many doubts about the Brazilian defender, who commands a hefty salary of around £6m per year.

That is too much for any defender in Serie A and particularly for a club like Juventus, who have instead chosen to take a punt on young players in recent years.

The former Porto full-back's future could still lie in Europe but it is certainly not in Italy. His other options are to join one of Brazil's leading clubs or target a big payday with an Arab or American team, which would see him follow in the footsteps of Lorenzo Insigne, Gonzalo Higuain and Blaise Matuidi.

Adrien Rabiot

Securing a new deal for Rabiot is at the top of Massimiliano Allegri's wish list this year. Unlike his predecessors, the Juventus boss considers him the perfect midfielder for Juventus.

Born in 1995, Rabiot has finally managed to find consistency in his performances at the age of 27 thanks to his well-sculpted physique and explosive speed.

According to Tuttosport, PSG, Manchester United, Arsenal, Manchester City and Bayern Munich are all interested in Rabiot, though so far only Juventus have started negotiations with the player's mother and agent Veronique.

The Italian club are attempting to persuade Rabiot's entourage that he should stay put and become the leader of a new-look team next season, as they are desperate to build their midfield around him.

Yet, the breakdown in talks with Manchester United last summer signifies the biggest problem with renewing his contract. Not even the Red Devils accepted Rabiot's £9m wage demands and it is unlikely Juve will offer an increase on his current £6m-a-year salary. As a result, a departure appears most likely.

IN?

Chris Smalling

As reported by Sky Sports, Roma's Chris Smalling is considering a potential move to Juventus after also receiving an approach from Inter Milan.

The English centre-back's Roma deal expires at the end of the season and, if offers from other Italian sides prove more appealing than a potential renewal at the Stadio Olimpico, he will have the opportunity to finish his career in Serie A.

According to Repubblica, Jose Mourinho is urging Roma to deliver a new contract for the ex-Man United man, who has raised the performances of his fellow defenders significantly at the club - particularly allowing Gianluca Mancini and Roger Ibanez to improve technically and tactically by playing alongside him.

If he accepts Juventus' offer, Smalling would share a dressing room with Federico Chiesa, who was put out of action for a lengthy period of time when they clashed on the pitch 11 months ago.

But Smalling is an excellent player capable of operating in a three or four-man backline and, together with Bremer and Danilo, he would form an iron defence.

Alejandro Grimaldo

The top free agent on Juventus' shopping list is Alejandro Grimaldo, who is ready for a new adventure after six years with Benfica.

In Serie A the 27-year-old would find the ideal environment to become a top player and immediately replace Alex Sandro at left-back. If Allegri opts for a 3-5-2- formation next year, Juventus could rotate Grimaldo and Filip Kostic as box-to-box left wing-backs.

Grimaldo fits the perfect profile of player for Allegri: he has plenty of international experience, is still relatively young and has been playing for a top club on a low salary. His arrival in Turin has also been suggested by super-agent Jorge Mendes, whose relationship with the Old Lady has always been solid.

Jorginho

The Chelsea and Italy midfielder, 31, is weighing up his future as he prepares to sign the last important contract of his long career.

According to Sky Sports, Jorginho has a market value of around £27m, so the fact he is available on a free this summer makes snapping him up an attractive proposition.

Jorginho would pen a three-year contract with Juve and provide the club with an Andrea Pirlo clone at the heart of their midfield. The Euro 2020 winner is still awaiting a renewal offer from Chelsea, but he is also interested in hearing new proposals from Italy.

Former club Napoli has Stanislav Lobotka in their ranks until 2027 and do not require a new playmaker, whereas Juventus may need an expert midfielder to help Nicolo Fagioli and Fabio Miretti mature more quickly.

However, the financial problem remains a big one: as Juve will not be able to guarantee Jorginho a salary of more than £5m per year.