Reports: Juventus closing in on deal for Schalke defender Benedikt Howedes

We’ve become accustomed to Juventus entering the season with five central defenders on their roster. As Juve stepped onto the field for their Serie A opener against Cagliari in Turin last weekend, the count was only at four. We know why that is, so there’s no reason to scrape at old wounds once again.

But it’s looking like that number could be going back to five in relatively short order.

According to multiple reports out of Italy on Thursday night, Juventus are closing in a deal for 29-year-old Schalke defender Benedikt Howedes. The deal is not done yet, but every indication is that Juventus is just a few small steps away from making Howedes the latest addition in what has ended up being a very busy summer for the Italian champions.

Here is what Sky Sport Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio had to say about the potential deal:

Benedikt Howedes to Juventus could be close to a done deal but the bianconeri are hesitant at the moment. They have an agreement with the player and also with Schalke, who will accept a loan for 2-3 million euros with an option to purchase for 7-8 million. They have not yet finalized with Schalke, as they might be waiting for other options on the market. At the moment the player is in their grasp and a deal could be completed.

So Howedes and Juventus have already agreed to personal terms — that’s good.

Juventus and Schalke are basically in agreement on the framework of a deal — that’s also good, if not very good.

Now all we need is for the deal to be officially done. Or at least at least seeing Howedes showing up at J Medical for his exams while subsequently giving us a thumbs up.

Howedes, a World Cup winner with Germany in 2016, will provide plenty of cover — and experience — to the central defense and also is versatile enough to play as a fullback if need be. A Beppe Marotta LWOTB Special is a pretty good deal for a player who is a steady performer and consistent contributor to one of the best national teams in the world today.