On August 4, Juve scouts went to watch a game between Malmo and Wolfsburg. The focus of their attention was Brazilian midfielder Luiz Gustavo who was strongly rumoured to be leaving the German club for Serie A. Despite negotiations moving forward, the 29-year-old’s move never came to fruition but also on that night, bianconeri representatives uncovered a new talent playing on the opposing team.
 

In this friendly fixture was a young defender called Mattias Andersson, an 18-year-old already making a name for himself with the Swedish club and a player who now, will be at the disposal of the bianconeri primavera side coached by Fabio Grosso. The youngster arrives on an initial loan-deal but Juve has the chance to purchase him outright. Club executives in Turin hope this could be a start of a synergy between the two clubs. Andersson will only be given a junior contract but Juve has defined an agreement that could see him elevated to full professional status should they decide to keep him next summer.

Steve Mitchell @barafundler


Photograph courtesy of www.fotbolltransfers.com