Comolli’s Juventus hit-list: targeted moves, the Frenchman’s blueprint, and why David (and maybe Sancho) tick the right boxes

Damien Comolli has finally made his first decisive move as Juventus’ new powerbroker - an eye-watering one, but the right one. With the calendar reading 3 July, a Club World Cup already played and an ad-hoc transfer window squandered, the Old Lady risked falling behind. Instead, the arrival of Jonathan David to work under Igor Tudor sends a clear message: every euro is being spent deliberately, every signing hand-picked. No scatter-gun deals here.

The Canada striker had long been on Cristiano Giuntoli’s radar and, as recently as 96 hours ago, had a huge offer from Saudi side Al-Qadsiah - the same club now chasing Atalanta’s Mateo Retegui - while Napoli also hovered. Comolli, though, weighed up the options and chose to invest heavily in David: €15 million in agents’ fees looks excessive, but Juventus believe future resale value and - more importantly - the trophies they aim to win together will more than offset the outlay. After all, how much would David have cost under contract at Lille?

Comolli’s transfer checklist

We can reveal the rest of Comolli’s shopping list:

Dusan Vlahovic puzzle - everything hinges on whether Kolo Muani’s loan is extended.
Plan A: keep the Frenchman and find an exit route for Vlahovic, perhaps a bridge-renewal followed by a loan with an obligation to buy.

Right-wing-back - with Andrea Cambiaso pencilled in on the left, Comolli wants a fast, two-way starter on the opposite flank. Alberto Costa is attracting plenty of bids.

Midfield - one addition, but only once Douglas Luiz’s future is settled; the Brazilian is still viewed as a saleable asset.

Defence - Comolli is convinced Juan Cabal can start for Juve. If Lloyd Kelly departs - Daniele Rugani is already on the market - then a new centre-back will arrive. Otherwise, it is not a priority, especially given the club’s faith in Teun Koopmeiners and others.

Backroom reshuffle imminent

Whispers suggest the technical-director appointment will be confirmed next week, with a sporting director to follow after the window shuts. For Comolli, the TD acts as the crucial conduit between dressing-room, boardroom and coaching staff - a profile still rare in Serie A, and one that must understand the league inside out.

Current names in the frame:

François Modesto - formerly of Monza, Nottingham Forest and Olympiacos

Giovanni Rossi - currently at Marseille

Marco Ottolini - Genoa sporting director

Roberto Goretti - Fiorentina chief scout

As for the sporting director, Comolli favours a more global “head of recruiting” rather than a traditional Italian ds. That could reopen the door for Matteo Tognozzi, although the Frenchman already has a foreign candidate in mind who would take charge in the summer.

The Sancho question

Neither Jonathan David nor Jadon Sancho - surplus to requirements at Manchester United - fits the stereotype of an “algorithm” signing. Sancho, once a Dortmund superstar but lost on his return to England despite a clutch of team trophies, would be another expensive punt. Yet if Comolli applies the same rigorous analysis that brought David to Turin, the message is unmistakable: under his watch, every Juventus deal will be carefully calculated, never a last-gasp gamble.

David is only the first step. Expect a few, but very astute, additions to strengthen the starting XI, shore up the bench and lay the foundations for a new-look Juve.