Juventus are looking to bring in PSG’s Salvatore Sirigu as a backup to the legendary Gianluigi Buffon next season, with current second-choice Neto set to leave the club in the summer.
According to a report in Gazzetta dello Sport (via Football Italia), current second choice keeper Neto is getting frustrated with lack of game time and is set for a loan move. Sirigu would step in and provide back up for Buffon as and when required.
The report further states that PSG had considered a sale for Sirigu in the January window, with German 25-year-old Trapp now their first-choice keeper. The Parisians are also looking to bring back young goalkeeper Alphonse Areola from Villarreal, where he is on loan.
Sirigu to Juventus
The 29-year old Sirigu has a contract till 2018 with PSG, but it is believed that Juventus will be willing to push for a move if the French champions are open to selling him. Sirigu lost his starting spot to Kevin Trapp this season, after being first choice for 4 years since arriving from Palermo.
Gianluigi Buffon has been Juventus’ number one since 2001. Now at 38 years of age and in the final years of his career, the Biaconeri would understandably be looking for replacements. With Neto increasingly likely to leave and Trapp taking over at PSG, this may be Salvatore Sirigu’s chance to establish himself again at a top European club. Under the tutelage of Max Allegri, he could one day find himself taking over from the legendary Buffon between the sticks for Juventus as well as for Italy.
Buffon has been a loyal servant all these years but even he will understand the need for a long term replacement. While goalkeepers do have longer careers, he may not have the same reflexes in one or two years time. And with age catching up, fitness would be another issue as well. Sirigu still has a major part of his career in front of him, and under the guidance of Buffon could very well be an able replacement and do as well as the great man has done for both Juventus and Italy.
