Juventus are still without a sporting director, but the club is steadily working to fill the key role ahead of the upcoming January transfer window. According to Tuttosport, the search has been entrusted to a professional head-hunting firm, a move designed to ensure the most qualified candidate is brought into the executive structure.
With the transfer market fast approaching, uncertainty remains over who will lead Juventus’ sporting operations. While all final decisions will go through Damien Comolli—who will officially become both CEO and general manager after the shareholders’ meeting in early November—the club wants a dedicated executive to manage the day-to-day football strategy.
Several names have emerged in recent weeks, including Marco Ottolini of Genoa and Johannes Spors, currently technical director at Southampton. Juventus’ approach, however, is structured and methodical. The head-hunting agency, the same method used to recruit Comolli last June, has been tasked with identifying and evaluating candidates capable of meeting the club’s ambitious standards.
What a Head-Hunting Firm Does
The term “head hunting” literally means “headhunting,” and it captures the essence of these firms’ work. They specialise in identifying and recruiting top-level professionals suited for executive or strategic positions within major organisations. In Juventus’ case, the objective is to find a sporting director who can combine football knowledge with international management skills.
Ottolini Still Leading the Race
At the moment, Marco Ottolini remains in pole position for the job. Despite his current commitments, his profile is seen as the most fitting—particularly appreciated by Comolli, who values Ottolini’s experience in handling international relations and his previous stint with Juventus.
However, negotiations are proving complex. Genoa are unwilling to let Ottolini leave mid-season, with his contract running until June. Juventus, on the other hand, are eager to have the new sporting director in place before January so that he can oversee winter transfer operations.
Time Running Out
Talks between the involved parties are continuing, but delays remain possible. The alternative option of Johannes Spors also presents challenges: he is tied to Southampton until the end of the current campaign.
Time is pressing in Turin, and the coming weeks will be decisive. Juventus aim to finalise their choice soon, ensuring the new sporting director can start shaping the club’s mid-season transfer strategy and long-term recruitment vision.
