Juventus are already looking beyond the next transfer window, with the club’s January plans shaped by injuries in Luciano Spalletti’s squad and a broader summer rebuild that could depend on a return to the Champions League.
John Elkann’s newly announced capital increase offers the club greater room to manoeuvre, although its principal impact is expected to be felt at the end of the season rather than immediately. Juventus remain conscious of Financial Fair Play limits and possible sales, but the intention is to keep refreshing a group that was substantially altered only a few months ago.
Ten players arrived between June and September, while goalkeeper Neto was brought back late in the window after Kamil Grabara required surgery. The medical picture has also affected Kenan Yildiz, Khephren Thuram and captain Manuel Locatelli, all of whom have undergone operations.
A midfield leader for January
Locatelli’s absence has made central midfield the immediate priority. Juventus want an experienced figure capable of carrying responsibility in Spalletti’s dressing room, and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has returned to the club’s list.
The 31-year-old Marseille midfielder combines international experience with leadership qualities and has long been appreciated in Turin. Marseille are now prepared to consider departures, while Fiorentina are also monitoring the Denmark international. Juventus believe their standing could help persuade the player should talks develop.
Any move may be linked to Teun Koopmeiners. His exit would make a pursuit of the former Tottenham player considerably easier, creating both space in the squad and greater financial flexibility.
Another midfield name under consideration is Sassuolo’s 18-year-old Bakola, formerly of Marseille. He represents a very different type of investment: younger, less established and viewed favourably by chief executive Giovanni Carnevali.
Defence and goalkeeping also under review
The left side of defence could become a January issue if Juan Cabal leaves. In that event, Juventus are prepared to renew their attempt to take Algeria international Ait-Nouri on loan. The Manchester City full-back has slipped to the margins under Enzo Maresca.
The club are also watching the next generation of Italian goalkeepers. Lorenzo Palmisani has impressed with Frosinone and Italy’s Under-21 side, and Juventus intend to explore the possibility of moving early for him rather than entering a wider race later.
Summer search likely to centre on a striker
The greater project lies up front. Nick Woltemade’s stay is not expected to extend beyond his loan, with the German forward having joined on a temporary basis after Newcastle spent more than €70 million on him for the 2025-26 campaign.
Juventus are therefore tracking several possible successors. Benjamin Sesko at Manchester United and Monaco’s Florian Balogun are among the leading candidates, although both have made slow starts to the current season.
Brian Brobbey is another player being followed. The Sunderland forward has scored three goals in five Premier League appearances, and Juventus sent a representative to Amsterdam last week to watch him against Germany. The scouting assignment was cut short after only 35 minutes when Brobbey suffered an injury.
The trip also allowed Juventus to seek an update on Virgil van Dijk’s fitness. The Liverpool defender is 35 and out of contract in June, making him one of several high-level free agents being assessed by the club.
Free-agent opportunities on the wider list
Juventus have cast a wide net among players whose contracts are approaching their end. Manchester City’s Mateo Kovacic, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, RB Leipzig left-back David Raum and Milan defender Fikayo Tomori are all being monitored.
Not every name will become a negotiation, and much can change before January or the summer. Yet the direction is clear: Spalletti’s side need help for the current campaign, while the board are preparing another significant intervention if Juventus secure the European platform they are chasing.
