Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci is reportedly unhappy and has asked to be sold in January amid Tottenham Hotspur links.
The Turin club have endured a difficult season and lie eighth in the Serie A table, five points adrift of the top four spots. Max Allegri has come under intense pressure for failing to get the best out of his team, with his relationship seemingly having soured with Leonardo Bonucci.
According to journalist Giulio Mola of II Giorna, Leonardo Bonucci could leave Juventus in January and join Tottenham after falling out with Max Allegri.
Bonucci, 35, hasn’t been at his best in the six Serie A appearances so far this season, and his poor form has coincided with Juventus’ struggles on all fronts. The Italy international has been touted to move to Spurs, with Antonio Conte having worked with the centre-back during his time as manager of the Old Lady.
With Bonucci seemingly looking for a way out of Juventus, should Spurs make a move for him?
Leonardo Bonucci to Tottenham—Should Antonio Conte sign him?
Antonio Conte is building a Tottenham side of his own image that can challenge the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool for the title. Conte’s side are enjoying their best start to a Premier League season, with the north London outfit third behind Man City and Arsenal.
Much has been made of Tottenham’s quick counter-attacks and attacking quality this season, but the foundation provided by their defence has been equally impressive. A Spurs backline strengthened by the acquisition of Clement Lenglet and Ivan Perisic on loan from Barcelona and free transfer from Inter Milan, respectively, has conceded just 10 goals in as many games—similar to that of Arsenal, Man City and Chelsea.
For a Spurs side making huge progress since Conte took over last year, the addition of an old head in the form of Leonardo Bonucci could bode well. Once regarded as one of the best defenders in Europe, Bonucci has been playing at the highest level for over a decade now, and even at 35, is showing no signs of slowing down. He has been a serial winner with Juventus and was a part of the Italy squad that won the European Championships 2020 last year.
Conte knows Bonucci in and out having worked with him during his stint with Juventus and the Italian national team. Well and truly aware of what the 35-year-old could bring to Tottenham, Conte could sanction a move for him in January.
In addition to his ball-playing skills, physical qualities and leadership, the Italy international would bring a winning mentality to Spurs which they have been lacking for years now. As Conte prefers a back-three system, signing a hugely experienced and influential player in the ilk of Bonucci will only help Spurs improve.
Thus, if Tottenham are presented with an opportunity to sign Leonardo Bonucci from Juventus in January, they must grab it with both hands.
