Capello warning for Juventus on ‘worst possible Vlahovic outcome’ | OneFootball

Fabio Capello outlines why Juventus made a statement with Jonathan David’s arrival and confirming Kenan Yildiz, but if Dusan Vlahovic remains, ‘it would be the worst possible outcome.’

The Bianconeri struggled last season under two different coaches, first Thiago Motta and then Igor Tudor, with an underwhelming FIFA Club World Cup outing as well.

Jonathan David speaks to Juventus

Now they are undergoing a revamp of the squad, above all in attack, with the arrival of ex-Lille striker David as a free agent and potentially more additions too.

“On paper, David is the perfect reinforcement and with him the club proved the strong desire to improve,” Capello told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“Let us not forget, Tudor now has to find the right position to get the best out of David. There are many players with great potential who came to Italy after good experiences abroad, but playing here is different, especially for strikers.

“There is also the Juve factor, because wearing that jersey weighs heavily on anyone, not just those who come from abroad.”

Capello evaluates Juventus strategy

Fabio Capello (Photo by Jurij Kodrun/Getty Images)

The negotiations are continuing to keep Francisco Conceicao, who is on loan from FC Porto, and Randal Kolo Muani, in a similar situation from Paris Saint-Germain.

“Tudor wants to keep Conceicao because evidently he saw potential in him that can make the difference in one on one situations. A profile like that is fundamental in modern football,” added Capello.

“Kolo Muani arrived mid-season, so I would wait to see how he develops. He has already shown great quality, but we don’t yet know if he will be able to keep playing for Juventus. There are still too many ifs and buts for the Bianconeri right now.”

The biggest doubt is around Vlahovic, who is down to the last year of his lucrative contract, so while Juventus seem eager to move him on, the Serbian is in no hurry to walk away from this salary.

There is the very real risk he could remain as an outcast and wait to leave as a free agent next summer.

“Having such an expensive player who so far has been a bit in and a bit out, with this constant coming or going atmosphere, it is not a good situation. If he was to remain in the end, it would in a way be the worst possible outcome.”

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JUNE 22: Kenan Yildiz #10 of Juventus FC celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with Khephren Thuram #19, Randal Kolo Muani #20 and Timothy Weah #22 of Juventus FC during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group G match between Juventus FC and Wydad AC at Lincoln Financial Field on June 22, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

The only guarantee therefore for the Juventus attack going into 2025-26 is Kenan Yildiz, with reports of another offer from Barcelona being rejected outright.

“It is an extremely positive factor, because he is appreciated by the team, the club, and the fans. Yildiz is a reference point for Juventus. The next season needs to be the one of his definitive confirmation.”

Capello is as always a pragmatic coach and warns all this talk of reinforcing the Juventus attack will not resolve the core issues that cost them last term.

“The strikers make people dream, but the reality is that only once in recent years has the team with the best defence not managed to win the title. If you are not solid at the back, you are going nowhere. All the rest is idle chatter.

“The return of Gleison Bremer after a long injury and the 100 per cent recovery of Federico Gatti will make the difference back there. Juve know this is not something to be underestimated.”