Not so long ago, the future could not have been brighter for Juventus defender Merih Demiral.
The Turkish midfielder was considered to be the successor to Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci’s throne in Turin, and it was only a matter of time before they sent the torch down to the defense.
Out of their plans / Nicolò Campo / Getty Images
Unfortunately for Demiral, while time waits for no man, it is really put to the test by Juve’s evergreen duo. At 36 and 34 years old, Chiellini and Bonucci have just conquered Europe and show no signs of their combined 70 years.
The former is waiting for a new contract that is expected to arrive and his experience can be crucial for the boy’s wonders Matthijs de Ligt. But where does all this leave the previously chosen one, Demiral?
Well, he’s ready to call it quits in Turin and head for new pastures. In the name of justice, after seeing Italy close the rest of Europe at Euro 2020, who can blame him for throwing in the towel? The 23-year-old is aware that he needs to move to fulfill his potential and he lacks interested buyers.
But where should he go? 90min has analyzed the defender’s possible destinations and ranked them in at least the most suitable for the Turk.
He loves a solid defender / Luciano Rossi / Getty Images
Demiral knows how important his next career move is and he will be looking for something that will give him success in the long run. It is probably not a good idea to choose a club that has chosen short-term expert and human hand grenade Jose Mourinho as its new manager.
AS Roma have taken a bold approach this summer and their appointment of former Special One says they are aiming high. But it does not take long before everything crashes and the rebuilding begins again.
Avoid this Merih, you just never know what to get with Giallorossi.
Good fit: 2/10
Everton will make sure to strengthen their current options / Sebastian Frej / MB Media / Getty Images
Everton have had good results in bringing in big names in recent transfer windows, although they have encountered more problems in getting them to play up to their reputation.
Despite the big money signings in the attack, the heart of their defense has been a duty. Michael Keane and Yerry Mina are their entrees, but Rafa Benitez can look for other options.
However, there is no guarantee of any European football at the end of this particular rainbow, and although the Premier League is the Demirals’ dream, this may not be the right switch.
Good fit: 4/10
Alderweireld is ready to leave Spurs / Sebastian Frej / MB Media / Getty Images
Tottenham Hotspur are in a similar position to Everton in that they are desperate to convince superstars of their plans to return to the big time, but no one really believes they can achieve that.
Some of Spurs’ own stars want out. Harry Kane has very publicly expressed his desire for unattainable trophies and Toby Alderweireld is also ready to find a new challenge.
Belgium’s departure would open the door for another center-back, along with the potential arrival of Takehiro Tomiyasu. Spurs manager Fabio Paratici loves a bit of Serie A action, so it’s not out of the question to raid his old club. Still, it is a risk for a player who wants to prove himself at the top.
Good fit: 5/10
Alaba has left Bayern this summer / Alexander Hassenstein / Getty Images
Bayern have already picked up cash on Dayot Upamecano this summer, but they will have to replace both David Alaba and Jerome Boateng for next season.
They may be spying on this opportunity to strengthen their midfield options by capturing the Demiral from Juve and giving them the strength they so desperately want.
However, it is unlikely that the Turkish star will be a start, so we are not sure how much this will be achieved in the grand scheme of things for the wasted defender.
Good fit: 5.5 / 10
Romagnoli can leave Milan this summer / AC Milan / Getty Images
Milan are struggling with the potential exit from their own midfielder and captain Alessio Romagnoli, whose contract expires at the end of next season.
An agreement on a new deal is not on the way, which means that they may consider selling him this summer to at least get a fee. Or how about an exchange agreement?
Juventus never turn a blind eye to a bargain and if they could move on to Demiral and receive a Serie A quality defender during the process, it would be seen as good business all around.
Good fit quality: 6/10
Romero is the drawing for defenders leaving Juventus / Marco Canoniero / Getty Images
If you want to know how to make a name for yourself as a frustrated Juve defender, just ask Cristian Romero. The Argentine left Turin in search of first-team action last season and landed a loan to Atalanta himself.
There he secured the Champions League qualifier, finishing above the Old Lady and earning a place in Argentina’s Copa America squad, which they continued to win.
That’s how you do it. So Merih, follow that plan, you can not go wrong. Atalanta is also believed to be interested …
Good fit: 8/10
The perfect partner? / Laurence Griffiths / Getty Images
If there is one club that knows how to do business, it is Leicester City. Despite losing a top four for the second consecutive season, the Foxes continue to continue from strength to strength.
In Caglar Soyuncu, they have an excellent Turkish midfielder. But they have to start preparing for life without 33-year-old Jonny Evans, whose time at the top is certainly limited.
Why not go and pick up another excellent Turkish center then? Demiral would go into one of the best run clubs in Europe, strive for Champions League qualifiers and hungry for success under a coach who knows how to improve players. It’s no idea.
Good fit: 9/10
