Kolo Muani disappoints at Frosinone, Juventus already seeking a true number 9

Randal Kolo Muani failed to make a successful debut in a Juventus shirt this season. Starting on the opening day of Serie A away at Frosinone, the French striker delivered a very disappointing performance, notably missing a clear chance early in the match.

Head coach Luciano Spalletti’s reaction was swift. “We went to get him and we know his value, but he needs to understand that if he hasn’t played for two years, there must be a reason,” the Italian manager said after the match. A public warning that illustrates frustration within the Piedmont club, a year after signing the French international (32 caps) for just over 40 million euros from Paris Saint-Germain.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Turin’s management is now considering recruiting an additional striker to create competition for the number 9 position. Doubts do not rest solely on Kolo Muani’s finishing: Juventus would like to have a “natural number 9”, a profile embodied by Dusan Vlahovic before his departure to Besiktas.

Several names are already circulating. Alexander Sorloth, currently at Atlético Madrid, appears to be a priority target: the Norwegian has scored more than 20 goals in each of his last three seasons. Joshua Zirkzee, struggling at Manchester United, is also mentioned. Jonathan David, also recruited this summer, does not appear to have fully convinced the management either, which had moreover loaned Loïs Openda to Olympique Lyonnais.

For Kolo Muani, the stakes are clear: quickly prove his worth or watch the Old Lady turn to a direct rival in the January transfer window.