Juventus push January swoop for Raphaël Guerreiro as Bayern weigh sale pending replacement

Juventus have set sights on Raphaël Guerreiro for a January transfer, with confidence growing that Bayern Munich could sanction a deal if they lock in cover first. The Portuguese star’s versatility at left-back and in midfield is seen as an ideal fit for Thiago Motta’s possession-first, inverted full-back system. Bayern’s squad has been thin through the autumn, but with key returns and internal options, the door is ajar. Juve value Guerreiro’s elite delivery, intelligence between the lines, and big-game experience—precisely what their left flank needs to kick on immediately in 2025.

Reports in Germany and Italy indicate Juventus have initiated contacts regarding a January move for Raphaël Guerreiro. Bayern Munich, managing a lean squad under Vincent Kompany, are currently prioritizing depth and would only approve a winter exit if a replacement is secured. Internally, Bayern can lean on Alphonso Davies, Hiroki Ito’s versatility, Jamal Musiala’s return to fitness freeing up midfield rotations, and academy depth.

Juventus, now under Thiago Motta, are targeting a technically clean, tactical full-back who can invert into midfield and accelerate build-up. With the winter window approaching, the timeline for Bayern to source cover will dictate how quickly negotiations advance.

Juventus are interested in a January move for Raphaël Guerreiro. Bayern will certainly not extend the Portuguese player's contract - but due to the thin squad, they would only sanction a January move if they can secure a replacement [@altobelli13, @cfbayern]

@iMiaSanMia

Impact Analysis

From Juventus’ perspective, Guerreiro is a plug-and-play solution with immediate upside. Motta’s blueprint thrives on full-backs who tuck into midfield, create overloads in the half-spaces, and switch play quickly—areas where the Portuguese international excels. His crossing variety, set-piece quality, and composure under pressure would raise Juve’s ceiling in close Serie A games where a single technical action decides points. He also offers depth as an interior midfielder, reducing the creative burden on Juve’s 10 and wide playmakers.

For Bayern, allowing an exit mid-season only makes sense if a like-for-like or multi-role full-back arrives. Guerreiro has been a trusted utility piece who knits phases between defence and midfield. Losing him would increase the load on Davies, who has carried heavy minutes across league and Europe, and push Ito into wider usage—potentially thinning centre-back rotations. However, if Bayern believe key returnees are fully fit and a cost-effective replacement can be sourced, a sale could unlock funds and minutes for emerging profiles, aligning with Kompany’s development-focused ethos.

Financially, Juve would secure a top-tier technical profile without long adaptation time, vital in a tight title race. Bayern, conversely, could capitalise on value while maintaining balance—so long as recruitment and fitness timelines are met. Net impact: clear sporting upside for Juve; manageable risk for Bayern with proper succession planning.

Reaction

Fan sentiment online splits along predictable lines. Optimistic Juventus supporters argue Guerreiro is the exact final-third passer they’ve missed on the left, hailing his tactical IQ and envisioning instant chemistry under Motta. They see a low-risk, high-impact move, stressing that his flexibility across LB/LM/CM can sharpen patterns that already suit Cambiaso.

From the Bayern side, many doubt a January green light unless a replacement is lined up, echoing the belief that the board will prioritise squad stability over marginal gains. Some underline that with Davies, Ito and Musiala back, Bayern could absorb the loss internally; others push back, warning the squad has been too thin and injuries can quickly reappear. A nostalgic subset praises Guerreiro’s signing as a shrewd, low-cost coup and would prefer to keep him through the spring.

There’s also resignation among neutral observers: replacements mid-season tend to be pricey, and Bayern’s leadership has historically erred on the side of caution. The overall tone—hopeful in Turin, wary in Munich—reflects a consensus that the deal hinges on Bayern’s ability to secure cover swiftly.

Social reactions

All in all still a fantastic transfer a few years ago. Cheap and absolute solid role player.

Haja (@hsdtgetb)

adam aznou, you had it all.. but you ruined it.

🇩🇪²⁰ (@razurax_)

We know the rest, the replacement is too expensive and the board stick with this thin squad and 'sure we can handle all the injuries'

Kobayashiiii (@Kobayashiiii1)

Prediction

Most likely scenario: Juventus accelerate talks early in the window while Bayern work in parallel on a replacement short list. If Munich identify a versatile full-back who can invert and cover both flanks—while fitness data on key returnees holds steady—expect a structured deal to be agreed mid-January. A move of this nature could include performance add-ons to balance risk and expedite approval.

Second scenario: Bayern delay until late January, citing squad protection, and Juventus keep lines open while exploring alternatives. In this case, Juve could still push to the finish line if an opportunity opens elsewhere for Bayern to recruit, but timing becomes critical.

Least likely scenario: outright collapse. Given Juventus’ tactical need and the player’s fit, plus Bayern’s openness conditional on cover, the market dynamics favour movement. Probability estimates: 60–65% transfer in January, 25–30% deferred to summer, 10–15% stay through the season. If Juve’s sporting project continues trending upward under Motta, Guerreiro’s willingness to reunite with a possession-driven role should tip the balance.

Latest today

• Manchester United hold face-to-face talks to extend Harry Maguire contract before June expiry Manchester United hold face-to-face talks to extend Harry Maguire contract before June expiry
• Frenkie de Jong approves Barcelona extension to 2029 as Flick eyes Rashford at No.9 Frenkie de Jong approves Barcelona extension to 2029 as Flick eyes Rashford at No.9
• Manchester United in advanced investor talks: implications for Old Trafford, finances and squad Manchester United in advanced investor talks: implications for Old Trafford, finances and squad
• Wojciech Szczęsny breaks silence on early losses, lauds PSG and vows Juventus response Wojciech Szczęsny breaks silence on early losses, lauds PSG and vows Juventus response

Conclusion

All indicators point to Juventus making a decisive January play for Raphaël Guerreiro, and the sporting logic is undeniable. He brings Champions League experience, elite technical range, and a rare comfort drifting inside to dictate tempo—the archetype Motta trusts to unlock compact blocks. For Bayern, the situation is less about intent and more about sequencing: they are prepared to entertain a sale once the replacement domino falls. Should their medical updates remain positive and recruitment align, approving the move becomes pragmatic rather than painful.

For Juve, the timing is perfect. Injecting a high-IQ left-foot now could add the extra two or three wins that separate contenders from champions. For the player, it is a chance to be a focal piece again in a system tailored to his strengths. Monitor the first ten days of January: if Bayern’s search bears fruit, expect Juventus to close swiftly. Everything about the fit, the need, and the momentum suggests this is a transfer that wants to happen—and likely will.