Reports suggest that Juventus have informed eight of their first-team players, including Federico Chiesa and Wojciech Szczesny, that they must leave the club.
Newly appointed head coach Thiago Motta is leading a major overhaul of the squad in an effort to improve the team’s performance on and off the field. After failing to win the Serie A title for the past four seasons, Juventus replaced Massimiliano Allegri with Motta at the beginning of the summer.
Chiesa is one of the eight players that Juventus is actively looking to sell during the transfer window in order to raise funds for new signings, according to Fabrizio Romano. Former Arsenal and long-time Juventus goalkeeper Szczesny will be replaced by a new goalkeeper and is joined by two other former Premier League players who are expected to depart from Turin. Juventus manager Thiago Motta has informed eight first-team players to leave the club. Federico Chiesa, who is arguably the most high-profile player on the list, has also been told that his time at Juventus is over. Ex-Leeds midfielder Weston McKennie and one-time Liverpool loanee Arthur Melo have also been advised to seek new teams. Juventus is also looking to permanently offload Mattia De Sciglio, Daniele Rugani, Filip Kostic, and Hans Nicolussi-Caviglia.
During a press conference after a 2-2 pre-season friendly against Brest, Motta stated, “They are no longer part of the project and they must find a new club.” He added, “We are convinced that this is the best decision for everyone involved,” as Juventus has made it clear that they are open to doing business with other clubs. Chiesa, who was once a poster boy for the team, has had a frustrating time at Juventus since joining from Fiorentina four years ago, mainly due to injuries. As his contract is set to expire next year, Juventus is determined to sell him this summer.
Motta also stated, “Chiesa’s absence is related to the transfer market.” This applies not only to Federico but also to the other players who are currently in Turin, except for the injured Miretti. Former Leeds midfielder Weston McKennie (right) has been told that he is no longer a part of Juventus’ plans. Former Liverpool loanee Arthur Melo is also free to leave Juventus. Motta said, “We have spoken to all the players, and we have strong players who are used to playing regularly.” He continued, “At this time, the club is looking for solutions elsewhere, and they must find them as soon as possible for the benefit of everyone.” Szczesny, who took over as Juventus’ starting goalkeeper after Gianluigi Buffon’s departure, has made 252 appearances for the club. McKennie was rumored to be moving to Aston Villa, in a deal that would have seen Douglas Luiz going in the opposite direction. However, instead of McKennie, Unai Emery’s side received Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenchea as part of the deal. Arthur, who spent last season on loan at Fiorentina, had a better year after only making one appearance for Liverpool in 2022-23.
Juventus has also signed Khephren Thuram from Lille and Juan Cabal from Verona this summer, and they are reportedly interested in former Manchester United target Jean-Clair Todibo.
