Juventus
Liverpool hijacking Chelsea’s £40m move for Italian defensive wall could be a masterstroke by Klopp
Why Liverpool should sign Daniele Rugani to replace Dejan Lovren
It’s high time Liverpool address their team’s centre-back issue. In his time with the Reds, Lovren has been so inconsistent that when the Croatian put in an impressive shift, it’s almost like a miracle.
Jurgen Klopp has strengthened the squad in other areas but his backline is yet to be added with more solidity. The likes of Fabinho, Naby Keita and Shaqiri will provide offensive depth, quality and cover. But Klopp is going to have to sign one more top-class defender to partner Virgil Van Dijk.
Lovren hit a new low this season as the defender was taken off after just 31 minutes on the field against Tottenham Hotspur. His horror show led to the Lilywhites scoring two goals in a matter of minutes. There’s no telling how much more he could cost the club with his sloppy and inconsistent displays.
Klopp should look to sign a new centre-back and Juventus defender Daniele Rugani could be a good choice. The defender has been linked with Chelsea and the Blues have reportedly agreed to a £40m deal for the defender. Klopp must hijack the deal and go for the defender.
Dejan Lovren
Rugani has been making a name for himself as one of the hottest young defenders out there in Europe. Over the last few years, the youngster’s impressive performances have led to widespread praise.
The Italian is tall, strong and agile at the back. He also possesses impressive pace for a central defender.
At the tender age of 23, the defender has shown all the right qualities and traits to become one of Italy’s best defenders. Rugani made a total of 22 appearances in the Serie A last season, scoring 2 goals and providing 2 assists.
Alongside Giorgio Chiellini, Rugani has learned all the best traits of a classy centre-back. He has been an able partner for Chiellini as well. The 23-year-old is calm and composed at the back. He’s also a very accurate passer of the ball, with the Juventus man averaging a pass success rate of 90.9% in the Serie A last season.
Read more: If Liverpool manage to hold onto this midfielder amidst exit talks, it will be huge success
In Liverpool Rugani would prove to be a great partner alongside Virgil Van Dijk. The Dutchman has vastly improved the Liverpool backline. If Jurgen Klopp can go on and snap up the Juventus centre-back, he will certainly possess all the defensive cover he will need for the new season.
With a long-term centre-back in the ranks, the Liverpool squad would look more complete than ever and that could be enough for them to go on and clinch the league title.
Juventus
Juventus Women Midfielder Elsa Pelgander Joins Djurgarden on Permanent Transfer After Year Long Loan Spell in Sweden
Elsa Pelgander has joined Djurgarden on a permanent transfer from Juventus Women after spending the past year on loan at the Swedish club. The 19 year old midfielder leaves Turin having made eight appearances for the Bianconeri first team across all competitions since joining in January 2024.
Pelgander’s move to Djurgarden was made official on January 3, bringing an end to her spell in Italy. The Swedish youth international also featured in several Primavera matches during her time at Juventus, gaining valuable development experience with the club’s academy teams.
Limited First Team Opportunities
The teenager struggled to break into Juventus’ first team on a regular basis, making just eight senior appearances over 12 months. Her loan move to Djurgarden provided more consistent playing time in familiar surroundings as she returned to Swedish football.
Juventus wished Pelgander well for the future after finalizing the permanent transfer. The club has been active in the transfer market with several comings and goings, including the high profile signing of Switzerland captain Lia Wälti from Arsenal in September 2025.
Return to Swedish Football
The permanent move allows Pelgander to establish herself at Djurgarden after her successful loan spell. The Stockholm based club compete in the Damallsvenskan, Sweden’s top division, where the midfielder will look to develop her career at a higher level than the Primavera.
Juventus Women currently sit in Serie A Femminile’s top positions as they chase domestic and European success. The departure of Pelgander frees up space in their squad as manager Joe Montemurro continues building his team for the second half of the season.
Djurgarden will hope Pelgander can make an immediate impact when Swedish football resumes following the winter break.
Also read: Tottenham Women add attacking firepower with fourth January signing
West Ham is on the verge of signing Juventus defender Estelle Cascarino, who has submitted a transfer request after an unhappy stint in Italy. are set to sign Juventus defender Estelle Cascarino in the January transfer window after the France international handed in a transfer request according to reports.
The 28 year old has 18 months remaining on her Juventus contract after signing a new deal in February 2025 to keep her at the club until summer 2027.
Italian media outlets report Cascarino is unhappy with her position at Juventus as second choice behind Estela Carbonell for a left back role she doesn’t feel suits her best. The BBC has followed up on Italian reports suggesting the deal could be finalized within the next week.
Return to WSL After Man United Loan
The move would mark a return to the Barclays Women’s Super League for Cascarino, who spent six months on loan at Manchester United in 2023 making two appearances. She has also played for Paris Saint Germain, Bordeaux, Paris FC and Lyon since making her France debut in 2017.
Cascarino has struggled with injury in recent months, coming back from an ACL injury in her left knee sustained while on international duty at the end of 2024. Her recovery and desire for regular playing time appear to be driving the transfer request.
Rita Guarino Reunion on Cards
New West Ham boss Rita Guarino was appointed just before the winter break and has previous coaching experience with both Juventus and Inter. The reunion could help Cascarino settle quickly at Chigwell Construction Stadium as the Hammers fight relegation.
West Ham sit second from bottom of the WSL on five points with just one win this season. Despite having the worst goal difference in the league at minus 15, they remain two points ahead of bottom placed Liverpool who are yet to win a match.
Manchester United Women travel to Turin for their final UEFA Women’s Champions League group phase match on Wednesday, with a top-four finish still mathematically possible despite sitting ninth with nine points.
The Reds have already secured a play-off spot but need victory at the Allianz Stadium plus favourable results elsewhere to claim automatic quarter-final qualification. Marc Skinner’s side face a Juventus team one point ahead in fourth place.
Kick-off: 20:00 GMT, Wednesday, December 18, 2025
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Turin
TV: Disney+ (UK)
Form Guide
United staged a remarkable 3-3 comeback against Tottenham on Sunday after trailing 3-0 with 17 minutes remaining. Ella Toone sparked the fightback before substitute Fridolina Rolfo scored twice, including a 94th-minute equalizer, to salvage a point. The result leaves United nine points behind WSL leaders Manchester City.
In Europe, United suffered back-to-back defeats against Wolfsburg (5-2) and Lyon (3-0) after winning their opening three group matches. Elisabeth Terland has been their European star with seven of her 10 goals this season coming in continental competition.
Juventus sit five points behind Roma in Serie A Femminile but remain unbeaten in their last seven matches across all competitions. The Bianconeri thrashed St Pölten 5-0 in their previous Champions League fixture and drew 3-3 with Lyon in November, keeping hopes of only their second-ever quarter-final appearance alive.
Team News
Elisabeth Terland returned against Tottenham after missing the Lyon defeat through injury. The Norwegian striker will be crucial given her exceptional Champions League form this season. Millie Turner hopes to join the travelling squad as she continues recovering from injury.
Juventus talisman Barbara Bonansea is a doubt after suffering a minor injury during Saturday’s 2-1 win over Napoli. Coach Massimiliano Canzi confirmed she didn’t finish the match in good physical shape and requires tests to determine availability.
What United Need
Victory would take United to 12 points and above Juventus into fourth. However, automatic qualification requires Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Arsenal all failing to win. Bayern host Vålerenga while Real and Arsenal travel to Twente and OH Leuven respectively.
A finish between fifth and eighth means United are seeded for February’s play-offs. The lowest they can finish is 12th, the final unseeded play-off position.
Predicted Lineups
Juventus (4-3-3): Peyraud-Magnin; Kullberg, Harviken, Salvai, Estela; Stolen Gode, Walti, Pinto; Bonansea, Girelli, Vangsgaard
Manchester United (4-3-1-2): Tullis-Joyce; Riviere, Le Tissier, Janssen, Sandberg; Awujo, Miyazawa, Naalsund; Toone; Malard, Rolfo
Also read: PSG or Manchester United: Which team is in pole position to sign Everton women star Kelly Gago?
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