As Luciano Spalletti closes in on becoming Juventus’ new head coach following Igor Tudor’s dismissal, attention is already turning to the transfer market. According to reports from Tuttosport (via Calciomercato), the club is once again eyeing Danish midfielder Morten Hjulmand, now starring for Sporting Lisbon — the same side Juventus will soon face in the Champions League.
Before Spalletti makes his official debut, Massimo Brambilla, coach of the Next Gen team, will take charge for this evening’s match against Udinese at 18:30. The former Italy manager is expected to lead the team for the first time on Saturday evening away to Cremonese, before guiding Juventus into European action at the Allianz Stadium next Tuesday.
Former Juventus player Alessio Tacchinardi commented that the team “must raise its level,” a sentiment that aligns with the club’s immediate plan to strengthen the midfield. Walter Sabatini told *La Gazzetta dello Sport* that while Spalletti will look to revitalise Teun Koopmeiners, he will need greater depth in the centre of the pitch.
Hjulmand Back on Juventus’ Radar
*La Gazzetta dello Sport* and *Tuttosport* both highlight that securing a true playmaker remains a top priority for Juventus in the upcoming winter window. Recent international performances have confirmed that Manuel Locatelli may not fit Spalletti’s preferred system. The Italian coach has a track record of developing deep-lying playmakers, having previously relied on Pizarro at Udinese and Roma, Brozović at Inter, and Lobotka at Napoli.
In that context, Hjulmand’s name has resurfaced. The 25-year-old midfielder, who joined Sporting Lisbon from Lecce in August 2023 for €19.5 million plus bonuses, has since made 110 appearances, scoring eight goals and providing six assists. He has already lifted two Portuguese league titles and a domestic cup. However, given his contract running until June 2028, prising him away in January will be a difficult task.
Market Alternatives
Should Sporting prove unwilling to negotiate, Juventus have several alternatives lined up. Among them is Ayyoub Bouaddi, the highly rated 18-year-old French midfielder from Lille, and Austria international Xaver Schlager, currently with RB Leipzig.
In addition to midfield reinforcements, Juventus are also exploring options at right-back. English defender Brooke Norton-Cuffy, a 21-year-old currently playing for Genoa, remains under close observation by the club’s scouts.
As Spalletti’s arrival ushers in a new era for the Bianconeri, the upcoming transfer window could provide decisive moves to shape the tactical identity of his Juventus.
