Why Juventus prefer Hancko to compatriot Skriniar from PSG

Reports in Italy on Saturday morning suggest that Juventus are pushing forwards with their plan to sign Feyenoord defender David Hancko during the January transfer window, as the Bianconeri prefer him to his Slovakia teammate Milan Skriniar, who could be available for a move away from Paris Saint-Germain next month.

There are two main reasons as to why Juventus prefer Hancko to Skriniar. First is their age: Hancko, who turned 27 on Friday, is a full two years younger than Skriniar.

Wages also play a factor as well, as the Feyenoord centre-back is expected to command less than Skriniar, who earns in excess of €10m per season on his current deal with PSG.

Where Juventus stand in Hancko pursuit 

Hancko has been one of Juventus’s targets to strengthen Thiago Motta’s defensive department for several weeks already.

According to recent reports, Juve sent scouts to watch him in action while playing for Feyenoord in their 3-3 draw away against Manchester City in the Champions League at the end of November. Hancko scored the 89th minute equaliser on that occasion.

Nicolo Schira, meanwhile, reports that Hancko’s agent was in attendance to watch Juventus record a 2-0 victory over City in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

If the Bianconeri are to make a move for the 27-year-old in January, it would likely be on loan with an option or obligation to buy at a later date. Saturday’s report suggests that Feyenoord’s asking price to sign the player permanently is in the region of €30m-€40m.