Juventus faces a critical crossroads as they grapple with defensive depth amidst injuries. The potential sale of rising star Samuel Mbangula to secure a backup defender could hinder their long-term vision for success.
With two of their key central defenders out for the season due to ACL injuries—the reliable former Defender of the Year Gleison Bremer and the promising newcomer Juan Cabal—the Bianconeri’s defensive depth is being severely tested. While mainstays such as Danilo, rising star Federico Gatti, and notable summer signing Pierre Kalulu offer quality in defense, the need for additional support is evident as the Serie A title race enters its most uncertain phase in years.
Juventus faces a challenge that is as much about strategy as it is about player personnel. As transfer rumors escalate, the club's management appears ready to make bold, and perhaps hasty, decisions. Reports indicate that Samuel Mbangula, the talented 20-year-old winger who has made a significant impact in the league under Thiago Motta's leadership, may be on the verge of being sold to finance the acquisition of a backup central defender. This type of decision carries the risk of repeating past mistakes that have proven to be costly for Juventus.
Mbangula’s rise has been truly remarkable. The left-winger quickly established himself as an essential part of Motta’s strategy after Federico Chiesa’s unexpected move to Liverpool. In just 321 minutes of Serie A play, Mbangula has registered one goal and two assists, achieving an impressive average of 0.84 goals and assists per 90 minutes. Additionally, his pass completion rate exceeds 90% and he averages 1.94 tackles won per game, demonstrating that he contributes much more than just attacking prowess.
Although still in the early stages of his development, Mbangula possesses qualities that suggest he could become a key player for Juventus in the future. Parting with such a promising young talent for a relatively small profit would be highly questionable. History illustrates that successful clubs excel at fostering homegrown or young talent, transforming them into important first-team members or valuable rotation options. For Juventus, the potential loss of Mbangula could lead to a continuation of their trend of short-sighted decisions that have impeded long-term growth.
Juventus has a track record of making impulsive, short-term solutions that do not result in lasting success. Over and over, promising young players have been overlooked in favor of veteran signings that turn out to be underwhelming. The prospective sale of Mbangula fits perfectly into this storyline, especially given the present market conditions that provide minimal guarantees of a dependable return.
The January transfer window is often challenging for clubs looking to buy, particularly when it comes to acquiring top-tier center backs. The pressure to make deals during the season drives up prices and narrows the available options. As Real Madrid searches the market for a replacement for Eder Militao, considering players like Aymeric Laporte and Castello Lukeba, Juventus may find themselves with limited choices. Even if they manage to secure an experienced defender, the benefits may not outweigh the cost of losing a promising talent like Mbangula.
The financial aspects of this potential transaction do not work in Juventus's favor. Mbangula could attract a transfer fee around 10 million euros, which is significantly lower than the 20 million euros or more necessary to secure an appropriate defensive reinforcement. Furthermore, teams looking to sell are aware of Juventus's situation and will take advantage of that urgency.
Juventus should keep in mind that they can enhance their defensive depth without giving up on promising young talents. Even if Mbangula’s career path results in him becoming a rotational player, his value as a versatile homegrown talent outweighs that of an experienced defender who offers no potential for future resale. The tactical adaptability and youthful vigor that Mbangula brings could prove crucial during busy stretches of the season when matches are frequent and demanding.
Should Juventus manage to acquire a genuinely elite defender capable of enhancing their goals for both this season and the future, then considering the sale of Mbangula might be reasonable—but this is not the situation they currently confront. The prospect of bringing in an experienced, average defender does not equate to the value lost in such a transaction.
Juventus must be careful that their quest for short-term stability does not jeopardize their long-term development. The Bianconeri supporters have seen too many instances where hasty decisions resulted in regret. Holding onto the potential of Mbangula and giving him the opportunity to grow might be the most prudent decision, both for the team and financially.
