Juventus keeping close tabs on Red Star teenager
Juventus are reportedly tracking Red Star Belgrade’s teenage sensation Andrija Maksimovic who has been attracting interest from all over Europe.
The 17-year-old is an attacking midfielder who rose through the ranks of the Serbian champions. Despite his tender age, the young man earned a promotion to the first team last summer.
The teenager has been splitting his days between the senior squad and the U19 side. Therefore, he has already participated in both the Champions League and UEFA Youth League this season.
According to TuttoJuve journalist Antonio Di Natale, Juventus are closely following Maksimovic.
The source claims the youngster has admirers across the Old Continent, this includes RB Salzburg who have some of the most touted young talents among their ranks, as well as clubs from the Premier League, Serie A and the Bundesliga.
Di Natale believes the Serbian would cost a transfer fee between 6 and 7 million euros. His contract with Red Star is valid until June 2027.
It’s worth noting Juventus poached another Balkan teenager last summer in the shape of Vasilije Adzic. The Montenegro international is also an attacking midfielder, and has already become a member of Thiago Motta’s first team, albeit his campaign has been impeded
Juventus Football Director Cristiano Giuntoli weighed in on several topics ahead of his team’s clash against Cagliari which ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw.
The 52-year-old was asked about Paul Pogba’s future. The Frenchman’s four-year sentence has been recently reduced to 18 months following an appeal, so he should be eligible to play by March.
Nevertheless, the former Napoli director remained coy, hinting that the club might not be too interested in bringing the midfielder back to the fold, especially due to his physical condition.
“Now we must await the final decision from the CAS,” said Giuntoli in his pre-match interview with DAZN via Gianlucadimarzio.com.
“Paul was a great player, but he has been sidelined for a long time. We’ll wait and see.”
The director also explained how McKennie was reinstated after agreeing a contract extension.
“At the beginning, we had some problems with the renewal. Weston had been requested by several clubs. Then we found an agreement and we are happy that he stayed.”
Giuntoli revealed that Juventus might sign a replacement for the injured Gleison Bremer, but only in January.
“We feel sorry for Gleison, he’s a great player, it’s clear that in the meantime the coach will have to make do with the players at his disposal.
