Luciano Spalletti is not a man who leaves things to chance. The Juventus coach, known for his obsessive attention to tactical detail and man managemen...
Luciano Spalletti is not a man who leaves things to chance. The Juventus coach, known for his obsessive attention to tactical detail and man management, has reportedly taken the unusual step of holding personal, face to face talks with Alexander Sorloth. This is not the work of a sporting director acting alone. This is a manager, deep in the throes of squad planning, actively selling a project to a player who could redefine his frontline.Sorloth, the towering Norwegian who has spent the last few seasons proving he is more than just a target man, represents a specific kind of weapon. He offers a physical out ball, a presence in the air that Juve have lacked since the departure of a certain Serbian, but also a subtlety in his hold up play that allows runners to break from deep. For a side that often struggles against a stubborn low block, Sorloth's ability to pin centre halves and bring others into play is a tantalising prospect. Spalletti's direct involvement suggests he sees not just a finisher, but a tactical lynchpin.Meanwhile, the Old Lady's summer shopping list just got a little clearer and a little more expensive. Our colleagues at GoalZaza have learned that Napoli have finally set a concrete valuation for Kim Min Jae, the South Korean colossus who has become one of the most dominant defenders in Serie A. The price tag is significant, a figure that reflects his release clause and the sheer desperation of the market for a ball playing centre half who can also defend his own box with ferocity. It is a number that will force a serious conversation in Turin.Can Juve afford both The maths is tricky, but the ambition is clear. Sorloth could be secured without breaking the bank entirely, but Kim is a marquee signing, a statement of intent. Spalletti knows that a title challenge is built on spines, not just flair. A rock at the back in Kim and a battering ram up front in Sorloth would give this Juventus side a very different, and far more formidable, profile. The next few weeks will tell us if the manager's charm offensive on Sorloth is enough, and whether the board are willing to stomach that Kim price tag. Squeaky bum time for the directors.
