Juventus are preparing to welcome new signing Timothy Weah, who’ll seemingly fit right into Massimiliano Allegri’s setup in Turin.
The Bianconeri have reportedly agreed a €12m deal with Lille for the 23-year-old American, who’ll undergo his medicals later this week before penning a long-term contract with the club.
Whilst his father George was a prolific centre forward, Weah is used to playing a more supporting role and is expected to be a good fit for Allegri’s system in the Piedmont capital, able to play as either a winger or wing back on the right side of the pitch.
Allegri often used a three-man defence in Turin this season and Weah would be comfortable replacing Juan Cuadrado on the right, having taken on the role countless times for Lille in recent years.
Although his defensive contributions are not particularly noteworthy, his ability to contribute to the build-up play will make him an exciting addition to the Juventus squad.
The underlying numbers show Weah’s skills when taking part in attacking moves; this season in Ligue 1, the 23-year-old averaged 4.07 progressive passes per 90, 3.56 progressive carries per 90 and 8.71 progressive passes received per 90, signposting his ability to both kickstart the build-up and get involved in the final third.
Although the American has often been an important figure in Lille’s attacking play over the last four years, he’s rarely been directly involved in the final product, scoring just eight goals and providing eight assists across 107 games for the Ligue 1 outfit.
His defensive contributions are also a little lacking, although this could change under Allegri’s more conservative style of play. He is also able to play on the left side of the pitch, giving some backup to Filip Kostic if needed.
Doesn’t sound like an exciting signing to me. Can’t defend and does not have much end product – so why was he signed? Illing is better than this guy yet they want to sell him. Another Allegri blunder.