Juventus used the international break to look beyond the immediate calendar, sending a representative to Amsterdam as the club begins to shape its longer-term market work. The 1-1 draw between the Netherlands and Germany, settled by goals from Felix Nmecha and Cody Gakpo, offered the Bianconeri an opportunity to assess two Dutch internationals in a different setting from their weekly club football.
The decision
A member of the Juventus scouting structure, working with sporting director Marco Ottolini and technical director Ricky Massara, was present at the Johan Cruijff Arena. The observer, who also has close links with Luciano Spalletti, was there primarily to watch Sunderland forward Brian Brobbey and Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk.
The fixture also marked the first national-team assignments for Jurgen Klopp and Xavi, but Juventus’ focus was on potential future recruitment rather than the two benches. September and October are generally months for enlarging lists, comparing profiles and gathering information. Any formal move would be more likely to emerge in the winter window or, above all, during the summer of 2027.
Brobbey’s evening ended early. The 24-year-old was forced off after 35 minutes because of injury, limiting Juventus’ assessment. Further observations are expected, particularly after his rapid start to life in the Premier League, where he has scored three times in his first five league appearances for Sunderland.
The striker is under contract until 2029, yet his situation is being followed in Turin. Nick Woltemade’s loan ends in July, and Juventus have an established relationship with Brobbey’s representatives, who also look after Khephren Thuram and Jeremie Boga. Spalletti is understood to approve of the Dutchman’s profile, while an eventual fee could be close to €40 million.
Van Dijk represents a markedly different case. The Liverpool captain will be 35 and his contract expires in June 2027, placing him among the experienced players Juventus are considering as possible free-agent opportunities. Fikayo Tomori, Mateo Kovacic and David Raum are also part of that wider group under review.
There is no debate over Van Dijk’s standing after nine seasons at Anfield and 380 appearances for Liverpool. Juventus, like several leading European clubs, are instead closely examining his physical condition and whether he could still offer the authority and winning experience Spalletti wants to add to his side.
The defender could become a more concrete option should Juventus decide to sell Gleison Bremer next summer. The Brazilian has repeatedly drawn interest from English clubs in recent windows, and a departure would alter the club’s needs at centre-back.
For now, Amsterdam has produced notes rather than negotiations. Juventus have two names filed away for a future market that may look very different by next summer, but the club’s work has already begun.
