Juventus and Chelsea are reportedly vying against each other for Feyenoord defender David Hancko.
Juventus’s plans to bolster their defense this summer have hit a potential roadblock, with Chelsea entering the race to sign Feyenoord’s highly-rated defender David Hancko. The Slovakian centre-back has been on the Bianconeri’s radar for some time, but the involvement of a Premier League powerhouse could complicate their pursuit.
Reports from Juve Live indicate that new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is a strong admirer of Hancko and sees him as an ideal addition to his defensive setup. With Chelsea’s financial strength, the race for Hancko’s signature is expected to heat up, potentially driving the price up to around €50 million — an amount that could prove too steep for Juventus unless significant sales are made.
What David Hancko brings to Juventus and Chelsea
Juventus view Hancko as a player who perfectly aligns with Thiago Motta’s tactical vision. His ability to play out from the back and his natural left-footedness would add much-needed balance to the Bianconeri defense. The Slovak’s versatility is another major asset, he is comfortable both as a traditional center-back in a four-man defense and as a left-sided defender in a back three, making him an attractive option for Juventus.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s interest stems from their ongoing defensive restructuring. With injuries plaguing their backline in recent seasons, Hancko could provide stability and adaptability. His aerial strength, solid one-on-one defending, and composure on the ball make him a suitable addition for a Maresca-led Chelsea looking to build from the back.
Will Juventus be priced out?
While Juventus remain keen on securing Hancko, Chelsea’s financial advantage could be a decisive factor. The Turin giants may struggle to compete with the Blues in a bidding war unless they generate funds through player sales.
The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether Juventus can push forward with their pursuit or if they will be forced to explore alternative defensive targets. Hancko, on the other hand, must decide whether he prefers the challenge of Serie A under Thiago Motta or the allure of the Premier League with Chelsea.
Both Juventus and Chelsea have compelling reasons to sign David Hancko, but the move makes more sense for Juventus. With an ageing defense and a tactical setup that requires defenders who can build from the back, Hancko would seamlessly fit into Motta’s system.
However, Chelsea’s financial muscle gives them an advantage, and with Maresca looking to mold a new-look squad, Stamford Bridge could be an enticing destination. If Juventus can structure the deal smartly, they should push to secure Hancko’s services. However, if Chelsea decide to flex their financial power, the Bianconeri may have to look elsewhere for defensive reinforcements.