As winter approaches, Juventus are preparing to make moves in the transfer market, with Director Damien Comolli gearing up to bring in a new deep-lying playmaker for manager Luciano Spalletti. Tuttosport report that the search is on for a midfield orchestrator who can dictate play and help lead the team through a tactical revolution rooted in the 4-3-3 system.
Lessons from Summer Oversights
Comolli has reflected on the mistakes made in the previous transfer window, when the club’s focus on other positions left the midfield somewhat undermanned. The squad, particularly from midfield onwards, is filled with players of similar profiles, making balance hard to achieve. Now, as the need for a true regista becomes undeniable, there is a sense of urgency at Juventus to deliver the right player to Spalletti as soon as the winter window opens.
Granit Xhaka Leads the Shortlist
Among the names considered, Granit Xhaka stands out as the leading candidate. The Swiss international was linked with the club in the summer before his move to Sunderland, where he has impressed with 1 goal and 3 assists in 11 appearances. Xhaka’s agents have reignited contact with Juventus in recent weeks, eager to offer their client the chance to play Champions League football in the twilight years of his career. Spalletti values Xhaka not only for his technical ability and tactical intelligence but also for his leadership and professionalism—qualities needed in a relatively youthful dressing room.
Financially, Xhaka would require a significant wage compared to other targets, but his transfer fee is deemed manageable, especially as Sunderland paid £15 million for him in the summer. Should he wish to leave, the English club are unlikely to stand in his way if Juventus meet their demands.
Other Options: Mendoza, Bernabé, Bouaddi
Juventus are not putting all their eggs in one basket. Talks continue with Elche for Rodrigo Mendoza, the talented Spanish playmaker whose performances in the Under-20 World Cup attracted the attention of several top European clubs, including Manchester City and Real Madrid. With a release clause set at £20 million, negotiations are possible, though competition for the player is fierce.
French midfielder Bouaddi is also on the radar, with Juventus leveraging strong relations with Lille. However, his playing style—more physical and dynamic, reminiscent of a young Rabiot—may not fit Spalletti’s precise requirements for a regista. His contract runs until 2027, and Lille are reportedly unwilling to consider offers under £30 million.
Meanwhile, a pursuit of Bernabé of Parma seems likely to wait until the summer. The midfielder is considered indispensable by his club in their quest for promotion and would only be allowed to leave for an offer in the region of £30-40 million, if at all.
Timeline and Outlook
Juventus are determined to secure their new midfield general in January, handing Spalletti the technical leader he needs to steer the team through the next phase of evolution. Whether it will be Xhaka or another of Comolli’s carefully considered targets, the coming weeks will be pivotal as the Bianconeri look to fix an obvious gap and relaunch their ambitions for the season ahead.
