Romania coach tells Juventus to bring back Tottenham defender

Romania coach Mircea Lucescu feels Juventus should consider bringing Radu Dragusin back from Tottenham in January if the ex-Genoa defender continues to struggle for playing time in North London.

Juventus will be looking for a new centre-back in the January transfer window to replace the injured Gleison Bremer. The Bianconeri have conceded eight goals in five games without the Brazilian, including four in the latest Serie A meeting with Inter.

Romania coach Lucescu will be in Turin this evening to watch his compatriots Dennis Man and Valentin Mihaila play for Parma against the Bianconeri.

The former Inter tactician spoke about Juventus’ possible moves in the January transfer window and suggested they should consider bringing Dragusin back to Turin.

Romania coach tells Juventus to bring back Tottenham defender

“Radu is always a starter with [Romania national team] us and he’ll become a great defender,” Lucescu told Gazzetta.

“Now, he is focused on getting playing time at Tottenham, but if I were Juventus, I’d think about him if he continues not playing much. He is young and he already knows Serie A and the Bianconeri world. As a national team coach, I only want Dragusin to play and be happy, the rest are assessments that directors must make, not me.”

Dragusin joined Tottenham from Genoa for €31m this past January but has only made 14 appearances with Spurs, including five this term.

The 22-year-old moved to Turin in 2018 to play for the Juventus youth sector. He made his first-team debut in the 2020-21 campaign under Andrea Pirlo and made four senior appearances with the Old Lady.

Lucescu also discussed the Serie A title race and which Juventus star he would pick for his national team.

“I’d go for Yildiz, not just for his brace against Inter,” he said.

“Turkish players have a fantastic spirit. Think about Calhanoglu. Yildiz is a real gem. He plays with the same courage as Vinicius. He is young, but he’s not afraid to take risks.

“Inter or Juventus [will win the title]. I expect a more balanced race compared to the last two years. I didn’t forget about Napoli, but I am convinced Conte will need a year to triumph with the Azzurri.”