The January transfer window is looming, and Juventus are already laying the groundwork for both the short and long term. Under Luciano Spalletti, the search for a true holding midfielder has become a strategic priority. Il Corriere dello Sport report how that message was made clear from Spalletti’s earliest conversations with director of football Damien Comolli — a reinforcement at the base of midfield is non‑negotiable, even if the timing may favour a summer move rather than an immediate January deal.
Juventus are working on multiple fronts: identifying an opportunity for the winter and building the foundations for June, when the club expect to have greater financial flexibility. Several profiles are on the shortlist, domestic and international alike, as the Bianconeri look to find the right mix of technique, intensity, and tactical discipline.
Serie A Options
One of the leading names is Ismaël Koné, currently at Sassuolo on loan from Marseille. The 23‑year‑old Canadian has impressed in Serie A, blending physicality with drive and ball‑carrying ability. Sassuolo hold a conditional option to buy, but Juventus have already opened dialogue to monitor the situation. Koné’s market value has risen sharply — now around €25 million — but internal feedback in Turin has been highly positive.
Another familiar name is Davide Frattesi. The Italy international has struggled for minutes under Cristian Chivu, and his camp is exploring options. Juventus have a long‑standing admiration for Frattesi, and a move could resurface if conditions become favourable, particularly in the summer.
Foreign Targets
Abroad, Xaver Schlager remains firmly on the Juventus list. Contacts with the RB Leipzig midfielder’s entourage have intensified in recent days, with the club keen to strike early on a potential free‑transfer scenario. Leipzig have offered a renewal, but the Austrian is keeping his options open and is intrigued by the idea of a new challenge.
Another emerging name is Alex Tóth of Ferencváros. The 20‑year‑old Hungarian has attracted interest from multiple Bundesliga clubs — including Leipzig, Leverkusen, and Borussia Mönchengladbach — after being scouted by Juventus back in October. His valuation has risen to around €15 million, which could make him one for the future rather than an immediate signing.
Then there’s Pierre‑Emile Højbjerg, a long‑time Juventus target. Now at Marseille and considered indispensable, the Dane would only be sold for a major offer. Juventus have pursued him since his Premier League days, and although a January deal looks unrealistic, interest remains alive for June.
Hjulmand and Other Scenarios
Spalletti also retains a strong admiration for Morten Hjulmand, formerly of Lecce and now at Sporting CP. Juventus reached an agreement in principle with the player last summer for a salary worth around €3 million per season, but Sporting refused to sell after Viktor Gyökeres’s transfer to Arsenal. Hjulmand, however, remains on the radar for next summer.
The club have even sounded out Marcelo Brozović, though talks are complicated. Al‑Nassr are pushing to extend his contract, albeit on slightly reduced terms, making any short‑term return to Europe unlikely.
Meanwhile, there is no significant update on Dušan Vlahović. The striker had exploratory talks with Bayern Munich earlier in the year, but negotiations have since gone quiet. Currently recovering from injury, the Serbian has, however, made it known privately that he would welcome the Bundesliga as a potential next step.
