Juventus have made significant progress in their efforts to secure Feyenoord defender David Hancko. According to Tuttosport, Hancko’s agent, Sasha Baranov, attended the recent Juventus vs. Manchester City match and held discussions with the Juventus management about a potential transfer for the Slovak international.
The club’s sporting director, Cristiano Giuntoli, has shown a strong interest in Hancko, having closely monitored him during the Euro 2024 qualifiers. Giuntoli was reportedly impressed by Hancko’s performance during Feyenoord’s clash with Manchester City a few weeks ago, further solidifying the defender as a key target.
Transfer Challenges and Negotiation Strategy
Securing Hancko’s signature won’t come cheap. Feyenoord have set a valuation of around €40 million, though reports suggest this could be negotiated down to €35 million. However, Juventus would need to generate funds through player sales before finalizing the deal in January.
To navigate these financial constraints, Juventus are exploring innovative solutions. One proposal under consideration is a loan deal with an upfront fee of €4-5 million, combined with a conditional purchase obligation that would activate if the club qualifies for the Champions League.
Strengthening Feyenoord Relations
Juventus’ existing relationship with Feyenoord could also play a role in the negotiations. The clubs recently finalized a loan deal for Facundo Gonzalez, which includes a conditional purchase clause of €6 million. This precedent may provide Juventus with leverage to negotiate a more favorable deal for Hancko.
Why Hancko Fits Juventus’ Vision
At 26 years old, Hancko’s versatility makes him an ideal addition to Juventus manager Thiago Motta’s squad. Capable of playing both as a central defender and a left-back, Hancko offers tactical flexibility. Additionally, his prior experience in Italian football could help him adapt quickly if he returns to Serie A.
With the January transfer window approaching, Juventus will need to act decisively to overcome the financial hurdles and secure this promising addition to their squad.
