Juventus are keeping the left-back position open as they plan for the second half of the season, with Luciano Spalletti still seeking a dependable alternative to Andrea Cambiaso. The issue has not disappeared simply because recent business brought Neto back to Turin; instead, that deal has revived contacts around Marseille defender Emerson Palmieri, a player already known well by the Bianconeri coach.
Key takeaways
- Juventus want to add depth at left-back after Spalletti was forced to use Celik there.
- Emerson Palmieri remains a January possibility, helped by his shared agent with new Juventus goalkeeper Neto.
- Marseille’s sporting and financial problems could make the Italian-Brazilian defender available.
- Juventus are also continuing to assess Lyon’s Brazilian full-back Abner.
- Frosinone goalkeeper Palmisani has seen his valuation rise sharply after signing a contract until 2031.
Emerson Palmieri returns to Juventus thinking
The arrival of Neto, who has joined Juventus until June 2027, has strengthened an existing relationship between the club and agent Bertolucci. Neto and Emerson Palmieri are represented by the same intermediary, and the negotiations over the goalkeeper’s return to Turin have created a direct line that could become useful again in January.
Emerson has long been viewed as one of Juventus’ credible options for the left side of defence. He was considered alongside Tagliafico during the summer, although the two profiles were treated as alternatives rather than part of the same operation.
Juventus had received Spalletti’s approval for Emerson during the summer window. The coach knows the 1994-born defender from their time together at Roma and had also wanted to bring him to Napoli. That familiarity remains significant as Juventus look for a player capable of relieving Cambiaso without requiring a long period of adaptation.
The discussion was postponed when Cabal’s proposed move to Atalanta did not go through. With that departure blocked, Juventus did not proceed further on the left-back market and pushed the matter towards the winter window.
Marseille’s continuing troubles could now shape the next stage. The French club are dealing with both financial pressure and poor sporting results, while their cost-cutting programme is expected to continue. Emerson may therefore become a workable opportunity, having also attracted interest during the summer from other European sides and clubs in Brazil.
Abner of Lyon remains another name under observation. Juventus spoke with the Brazilian’s representatives and with Lyon during negotiations surrounding Openda’s transfer, and the club are expected to make a fresh assessment of that route over the coming weeks.
Palmisani’s rise changes the picture in goal
While the first-team squad weighs up defensive reinforcements, Juventus have also watched Frosinone goalkeeper Palmisani become considerably more expensive. During the summer, Frosinone were asking for between €8 million and €9 million. That valuation has now doubled, and it could increase again if the young goalkeeper maintains his present level.
Juventus had considered a deal in June that would have echoed the path taken by Federico Gatti: buy the player, allow him to stay on loan with the Lazio-based club until the end of the campaign, then bring him to Piedmont. The plan never reached completion, but Juventus were the first club to make a serious move for him.
Competition has since grown. Other Italian clubs have entered the frame, with Atalanta among those monitoring the situation should Marco Carnesecchi leave. Palmisani’s renewal through 2031 has added another layer to negotiations, turning a goalkeeper Juventus had hoped to secure early into one of the more closely watched domestic market cases.
