Joao Mario is no longer part of Juventus’ current project, as Luciano Spalletti has made it clear that the Portuguese winger is out of his plans—even in a match won 5‑0. Keeping the player on the bench despite the opportunity for substitutions reflects his complete exclusion from the squad as the January transfer window approaches.
The player, who joined from Porto in the summer of 2025 in a swap deal, has failed to impress under Igor Tudor and later Spalletti. The numbers speak for themselves: only 373 minutes played with no real impact, making him one of the summer transfer flops for the club.
Tactical Challenges and Pressure
Joao Mario’s struggles are not just about competition, even with a reliable player like Kalulu on his side. The Portuguese winger struggled to adapt to Serie A’s tactical demands, particularly defensively. Previous attempts to play him on the left were made to ease the burden, but he never gave the impression of being capable of imposing himself in Italy’s top flight or wearing the heavy Juventus jersey.
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January Transfer Window: The Last Opportunity
Juventus management sees separation as the best solution for both parties. However, his €2 million net annual salary limits the number of clubs that can make an offer. Potential interest might come from Spain or Portugal, where his style may fit better. Time is tight, and Spalletti wants a more reliable right-back, making January decisive for the winger’s future.
🧠 Site Opinion
Joao Mario’s case demonstrates how poor planning in the transfer market can quickly become a burden, especially for a club like Juventus. The player was not necessarily bad but was mismatched to an environment requiring tactical readiness and mental toughness from day one. January will be the test: either cut losses now or carry a file representing a summer transfer failure
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