Juventus have reportedly identified Cagliari’s Giovanni Simeone as the perfect backup option for star striker Dusan Vlahovic. As per Calciomercato, the Bianconeri contemplate launching a summer bid for El Cholito.
Simeone enjoyed a stellar season-long loan at Hellas Verona last term. He tallied 17 goals and six assists in 36 Serie A appearances to help the Gialloblu secure a mid-table finish. But he will return to Cagliari this summer.
It’s still unclear why Hellas failed to trigger a buy-out clause in Simeone’s loan deal. The Argentine was their headline performer in 2021/22, even though he had a couple of sticky patches along the way.
With Cagliari relegated to Serie B, it’s hard to imagine Simeone staying at Sardegna Arena beyond the summer. Newcastle United and West Ham United have already listed the 26-year-old as one of their potential summer targets.
But Juventus have now joined the race. Head coach Massimiliano Allegri has deemed Moise Kean incapable of deputising for Vlahovic. Alvaro Morata is there, but the record-time Italian champions still need another option.
Out take on Simeone’s potential switch to Juventus
At 26, Simeone is already an established Serie A star. He has spent his entire European career in Italy. Since joining Genoa from River Plate in 2016, he’s been trying to hit his stride in Serie A.
In 2021/22, all went smooth for Simeone at Marc’Antonio Bentegodi. He was scoring for fun as he finally looks to be finding his feet after a couple of underwhelming seasons at Cagliari.
The Sardinians cannot exaggerate their demands after failing to retain top-flight status. At a fair price, Simeone would be an ideal backup option for any top side in Italy, including Juventus.