Juventus have identified midfield reinforcements as their top priority ahead of the January transfer window, with Pierre-Emile Højbjerg of Marseille and Adrì Bernabé of Parma emerging as leading candidates.
La Gazzetta dello Sport report how, at Continassa, the focus is increasingly turning towards the centre of the pitch, an area where Luciano Spalletti feels his side remain short both in numbers and in specific qualities. During the summer, the club chose to strengthen the attacking department under Igor Tudor, accepting some risks in midfield depth. Now, with Damien Comolli taking over as CEO, Juventus are preparing to address that gap when the market reopens.
Spalletti’s Search for a Playmaker
Throughout his coaching career, Spalletti has relied on a central orchestrator to provide rhythm and structure to his teams – from Pizarro at Roma, to Brozović at Inter, and most recently Lobotka at Napoli. Juventus currently lack such a specialised playmaker. Manuel Locatelli has been filling that role, but his natural style is better suited to other duties within the midfield.
This has prompted the club to look for a player capable of dictating the tempo and connecting the lines of play, something Spalletti deems essential to unlocking the full potential of his new-look side.
Bernabé on Juventus’ Radar
Adrì Bernabé, Parma’s creative Spanish midfielder, fits the mould of the playmaker Spalletti desires. Technically gifted and tactically intelligent, Bernabé has attracted interest from several top Italian clubs after impressive displays, including a recent goal against Milan.
Although Parma are not known for selling key players mid-season, Bernabé’s contract situation – which runs until June 2027 – could still leave room for negotiation, especially if the player expresses interest in making a step up.
Højbjerg the Preferred Option
According to reports, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg remains Juventus’ preferred target. The Danish international, now at Marseille under Roberto De Zerbi, brings a different profile – less of a classic regista, more of a physical leader with experience and presence. His strong personality and tactical discipline make him an ideal addition to support Spalletti’s vision.
Securing Højbjerg, however, will not be straightforward. He is a key figure for De Zerbi, but Juventus may possess a potential bargaining chip in Manuel Locatelli. De Zerbi remains an admirer of the Italian midfielder from their time together at Sassuolo, and a reunion in France could appeal to the Marseille coach.
