Following the shock exit of Leonardo Bonucci from Juventus to AC Milan, Juventus are on the market for a top defender. With not many of them on the market today, one name has become linked with the club since the exit of Bonucci: Mats Hummels. The German international is one of the best players of his generation, but following his exit from Dortmund to move back ‘home’, it would be a surprise to see him make the move to Turin.

However, a good – but not stellar – first season back in Bavaria might have given Bayern cause to consider the sale. He had a good season but was unable to showcase the same imperious form that made him one of the best defenders in the world most of the time.

Apparently, Hummels has asked to speak with Ancelotti for certainty about his importance to the team. If the answers aren’t quite what Hummels might expect, then the spectre of a transfer might not be quite so far away as people had once expected. This would be a surprising exit for the club, but the move of Bonucci proves that nothing can be seen as impossible in modern football.

Hummels would be a natural fit at Juventus, and would be a fine replacement for Bonucci. They hold similar characteristics, although Bonucci is by far the better and more composed defender. Hummels, though, offers even more going forward and could be an interesting addition to a side in major transition.