Juventus Faces Tough Decisions on Openda and Alaba's Future

Openda's Disappointing Season at Juventus

Loïs Openda's debut season at Juventus has not gone as planned, as the Belgian forward has struggled to make an impact since joining the club on loan from RB Leipzig. Despite showing ‘outstanding’ commitment, Openda has only managed to score twice in 34 appearances across all competitions, prompting head coach Luciano Spalletti to acknowledge his misjudgment in not utilizing the player more effectively.

Spalletti remarked on Openda's limited playing time, stating, “That is another mistake I’ve made. I have to make decisions, but I’m sure I’ll get something wrong.” With just over 1,100 minutes played this season, including only 688 minutes under Spalletti's management since October, Openda's role is expected to diminish further as Juventus approaches the end of the season. Dusan Vlahovic's return from injury is likely to push Openda further down the pecking order.

Juventus secured Openda's loan for €3 million, with a permanent transfer fee of €42 million set to be activated upon achieving a top-ten finish. As the club contemplates its forward options for the next season, Openda's performance will be closely scrutinized, especially given the expectations tied to his transfer fee.

David Alaba's Potential Move to Serie A

In a separate development, Real Madrid defender David Alaba is set to become a free agent at the end of the season, having been offered to Serie A clubs Juventus and AC Milan. The 33-year-old Austrian international has faced a challenging season, featuring in only 14 matches due to injuries, and is seeking a fresh start.

Alaba's agent, Pini Zahavi, has reportedly reached out to several clubs, with Juventus and Milan expressing interest in his services. The prospect of signing a player of Alaba's caliber on a free transfer could be appealing for both clubs as they look to strengthen their defensive lines.

Moreover, there are indications that Alaba may attract interest from outside of Europe, including the MLS and the Saudi Pro League, as well as a potential return to RB Salzburg, where he could play a crucial role in developing younger talents.

Inter's Goalkeeper Dilemma

While Juventus weighs its options with Openda and Alaba, Inter Milan is facing uncertainty regarding its goalkeeping situation. Although there was a reported agreement to sign Guglielmo Vicario from Tottenham, sources indicate that Inter might reconsider this move in favor of relying on current second-choice goalkeeper Josep Martinez. With a transfer budget of €40-50 million for the summer, Inter could choose to allocate funds to other positions if they decide against pursuing Vicario.

This decision could lead to Martinez becoming the regular starter next season, particularly with Yann Sommer expected to depart upon the expiration of his contract. The ongoing discussions surrounding Vicario's transfer highlight the complexities of the summer transfer window as clubs navigate their financial constraints and squad needs.