The talented centre-half certainly appeared to have few reservations about choosing a move to Serie A over Premier League quartet Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Wolves.
In fact, after sealing his bargain £3 million switch during the January transfer window, Juventus’ winter signing wasted no time in telling anyone who would listen just how ‘happy’ he was to put pen to paper with ‘a great team, of quality and with many talented players’.
How Tiago Djalo is feeling now, four months on, is anyone’s guess. One suspects his smile isn’t quite as broad these days, yet to make his Juventus debut and spending each of the last 15 games – in league and cup – twiddling his thumbs on the substitute’s bench.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, one of the major reasons for his lack of game time is down to the fact that he arrived far later in the window – on January 22nd – than the club had initially planned.
Furthermore, head coach Max Allegri is reportedly reluctant to throw Djalo in at the deep end, with Champions League qualification still not yet secured for a Juve side who have won just one of their last nine top-flight games.
Aston Villa and Newcastle eyed Juventus’ Tiago Djalo
The report adds that a loan move could be on the cards this summer too. Whether that Premier League interest remains is anyone’s guess, but it is no secret that Newcastle, Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers are all in the market for defensive reinforcements.
A left-footer like Djalo could come in particularly handy at St James’ Park. HITC understands that Newcastle want a replacement for the long-term injury absentee Sven Botman, with Boca Juniors contract rebel Nicolas Valentini and Eddie Howe’s former Bournemouth favourite Lloyd Kelly are also in contention.
“Following further assessment, a scan has confirmed that he sustained an injury to his ACL during Saturday’s match and he is expected to return to action within six-to-nine months,” Newcastle wrote in an official statement following March’s FA Cup exit at Manchester City.
“Everyone at Newcastle United wishes Sven a full and speedy recovery.”
Botman and Mings have suffered ACL injuries
Aston Villa, meanwhile, could lose Clement Lenglet when his Barcelona loan spell comes to an end. Tyrone Mings is also yet to return from his own ACL blow. Mings has been missing since the opening day.
Djalo, however, has not made a single league appearance since April 2023, rupturing his cruciate ligament at Lille. It should be said, however, that he did pass the requisite medical tests before joining Juventus, with his lack of opportunities in Turin down to tactical reasons rather than fitness concerns.