Juventus are preparing to strengthen their midfield, with plans already in motion for both the January transfer window and, more significantly, next summer. The arrival of sporting director Damien Comolli has brought clarity to the Bianconeri’s transfer strategy — carefully balancing short-term opportunities with long-term investment.
IlBianconero report that while major spending is more likely in the summer, head coach Luciano Spalletti is hoping for at least one addition in January to inject fresh qualities into his squad. His primary wish is for a new deep-lying playmaker — a midfielder who can bring rhythm, control, and creativity to Juventus’ build-up play. That raises an important question: what would such an arrival mean for Manuel Locatelli?
Spalletti’s Vision for the Midfield
Since his arrival in Turin, Spalletti has repeatedly highlighted the need for greater technical quality in possession — a hallmark of his teams in the past. From David Pizarro at Roma to Marcelo Brozović at Inter and Stanislav Lobotka at Napoli, the Tuscan coach has always relied on a true regista at the heart of his midfield.
At Juventus, that role currently belongs to Locatelli, but his interpretation of it differs from the classic playmaker profile Spalletti typically prefers. For this reason, the club’s long-term plans include bringing in a player more suited to the role, possibly as early as January if the right option becomes available. Internal solutions haven’t been ruled out either. Teun Koopmeiners, who has occasionally dropped into defence, could shift forward later in the season, while Fabio Miretti — now fully fit — remains highly regarded for his technical flair and intelligence in tight spaces.
A New Role for Locatelli?
Throughout his career, Locatelli has shown versatility, having played both as a defensive midfielder and a mezzala. During Italy’s victorious Euro 2020 campaign under Roberto Mancini, he impressed in a more advanced position, even scoring twice in the group stage.
If Juventus were to sign a more traditional regista, Locatelli might find himself operating slightly higher up the pitch, with different responsibilities. This could happen even in a two-man midfield, though a shift to a three-man setup — something Spalletti has often favoured — would make that adjustment more natural.
From Undroppable to Rotational Option?
Despite consistent criticism from sections of the fanbase, Locatelli has remained a mainstay under three different Juventus coaches. His consistency, tactical discipline, and leadership earned him the captain’s armband, which he continues to wear with pride. However, new arrivals could change his status within the squad.
Should Juventus bring in a specialist playmaker, Locatelli’s position as an automatic starter may come into question. Rather than being an indispensable figure, he could become one of several midfield options — a valuable, experienced presence but no longer an untouchable.
The Market and Locatelli’s Future
Locatelli’s name surfaced in transfer rumours last summer, with interest from Saudi Arabia, though those discussions never advanced due to his clear desire to remain in Turin. His commitment to the club remains strong, reinforced by his captaincy and his role as a leader within the dressing room.
Still, football evolves quickly. If he were to find himself no longer central to Spalletti’s long-term plans, future opportunities — such as a possible reunion with Roberto De Zerbi in France — might eventually become more appealing. For now, though, Juventus’ number five remains fully focused on leading from the middle of the pitch, even as changes around him begin to take shape.
