Juventus have identified a specialist deep-lying playmaker as their absolute priority for the January transfer window. Luciano Spalletti has always considered a true “regista” essential to his football, and the current squad lacks a natural organiser at the base of midfield. Calciomercato report that the club know that January is a difficult market in which to operate, but intend to give their coach the strategic fulcrum he is asking for.
Spalletti’s teams have historically been built around this type of player, from David Pizarro to Stanislav Lobotka, via Marcelo Brozovic at Inter. The idea is the same in Turin: find a midfielder capable of dictating the tempo, keeping the ball clean under pressure and setting the rhythm of Juventus’ play. In recent weeks, the shortlist has grown, ranging from romantic ideas to long-term investments and more pragmatic options.
Verratti, the romantic option
Marco Verratti is the most intriguing and romantic name on the list. In terms of profile, he is the perfect regista for Spalletti: vision, technical purity and a natural sense of timing in possession. His style recalls precisely the playmakers who became central in the coach’s previous projects. The problem is the scale of the operation. After two highly paid years at Al-Arabi, Verratti decided to remain in Qatar and signed with Al-Duhail on a contract worth around 30 million euros per season. These are figures that would be prohibitive for almost any European club.
There have, however, been early signs of movement. In Argentina, there is talk of Boca Juniors exploring the idea and making initial enquiries, with fans openly urging the club to bring Verratti in. If the midfielder genuinely considers leaving Qatar, it would mean accepting a dramatic pay cut. In that scenario, Juventus could step in, offering him a first – and likely last – opportunity to measure himself in Serie A.
Toth, the investment for the future
Among the monitored names, Alex Toth is the most clearly future-oriented. Born in 2005 and already acting as a deep-lying playmaker for Ferencváros, he is being tracked by several German clubs and represents a classic investment signing. Juventus are following him carefully, convinced that he has significant room for development. His transfer would require a smaller outlay than more established targets, but would also demand patience while he matures and adapts to a higher level.
Brozovic, the quick fix
On paper, the route leading to Marcelo Brozovic appears more immediate. The former Inter midfielder is on his way out of Al Nassr and would welcome a return to European football. His technical qualities and deep knowledge of Serie A make him an almost ready-made solution, able to have an instant impact. The main obstacle, once again, is his salary, but compared with other big-name options it would still be one of the less expensive deals to structure.
Højbjerg, the solid option
Pierre-Emile Højbjerg of Tottenham remains one of the most reliable and structured choices. The Dane brings international experience, passing range and a more complete physical presence than many traditional registi. Spurs are not completely opposed to a sale, but their financial demands are high, meaning it would likely be one of the most expensive moves on Juventus’ list. In return, the club would gain a player used to high-level football and capable of giving the midfield immediate personality.
Hjulmand and Bernabé, quality at a price
Morten Hjulmand, formerly of Lecce and now a pillar of Sporting, is another profile that fascinates the Juventus hierarchy. He already knows Serie A, still has room to grow and offers the balance and quality Spalletti appreciates in a central midfielder. The problem lies in Sporting’s valuation, which is very high and would make negotiations complex, likely feasible only in the case of a truly substantial offer.
Adrián Bernabé is one of the most technical names on the list. A refined passer who can operate both as a regista and as a mezzala, he offers tactical flexibility and could significantly change the face of Juventus’ midfield. His price tag is considerable, but his versatility and creative output make him a serious candidate if the club decide to make a major investment in that area.
The final picture
Juventus’ objective is clear: to provide Spalletti with a true playmaker as early as January, despite all the usual difficulties associated with winter transfers. Verratti is the romantic dream, Toth the prospect for the future, Brozovic the immediate opportunity, while Højbjerg, Hjulmand and Bernabé are valuable but more expensive paths to follow. The coming weeks will determine which direction the Bianconeri choose, but one thing is certain: the regista will be the unquestioned priority.
