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Juventus’ transfer window, quiet but effective

By Alexander Puri

BOLOGNA, ITALY - MAY 27: Paulo Dybala of Juventus FC celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Bologna FC and Juventus FC at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara on May 27, 2017 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Mario Carlini / Iguana Press/Getty Images)
BOLOGNA, ITALY - MAY 27: Paulo Dybala of Juventus FC celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Bologna FC and Juventus FC at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara on May 27, 2017 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Mario Carlini / Iguana Press/Getty Images) /
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Juventus have never been one to make a big splash in the transfer market. Other than the signing of Higuain, use of money to procure success and silverware has been scarce.

Spending is not uncommon in the search for success. Outrageous prices are deemed appropriate in the modern era. Neymar doubled the transfer record for most expensive player, which was only set last year. Ousmane Dembele cost more than Ronaldo. The logic of such prices remains a mystery, yet engagement in transfers has been the most frequent tactic to improve a side.

But is this approach really proper? Very few clubs actually claim success with this method. On the contrary, despite the lack of spending, certain clubs have impressed.

Over the past five seasons, PSG and Manchester City have earned just one place in the Champions League semi final between them. They are without a doubt, two of the biggest spenders in the game.

Enter Juventus. The Bioncorini have reached two of the last three Champions League finals, despite far less activity than the English and French giants. Their squad is excellent, and they remain a dangerous side and serious contenders in Europe.

Juventus fans might be disappointed with their side’s transfer activity this summer, but the additions to their squad are just about as good as they can get.

After a loss in the Champions League final, it can be difficult to identify where to improve the squad, or whether transfer activity is truly necessary to the progression of the team. Only one match stood between the Biancorini and a Champions League title last season.

They were close, and while after the respective transfers of James and Neymar to Bayern and PSG, Juventus’s quiet transfer window raised concerns, jaws don’t need to drop at Juventus’s incoming players. They are fine pieces of business.

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Matuidi brings energy, commitment, and strength to his new side’s midfield. Howedes’s experience will come in handy after the controversial departure of Bonucci. De Scilio is also a solid option at right back.

No one was ever going to replace Dani Alves, but Douglass Costa’s presence in the side will ensure that Juventus have quality along the flanks.

There is no doubt about the quality of their decide, even if their involvement in the transfer window procured little attention.

Juventus’s transfer policy has worked well for them so far, and attracted talent to the team for little cost. At one point, Juventus’ midfield consisted of Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal, Paul Pogba, and Claudio Marchisio.

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The total cost of that midfield was less than $15 million. Pogba alone was worth $100 million.

Any skeptics of Juventus’s transfer window may wish to reconsider after a glance at Juventus’s recent history.

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