From Højbjerg to Frattesi, Juventus scan Europe for the right opportunity while Spalletti waits for a game-changer
Juventus are quietly but decisively stepping up their activity on the transfer market. While there is no sense of urgency inside Continassa, the club is clearly ready to act if the right opportunity presents itself — particularly in midfield, where experience, leadership and physical presence remain highly valued.
One name continues to resurface with insistence: Pierre-Emile Højbjerg. The Danish international, currently a cornerstone of Roberto De Zerbi’s Marseille, fits perfectly into the profile Juventus are monitoring. Strong, tactically disciplined and seasoned at the highest level, Højbjerg is seen as a potential upgrade capable of raising the competitive floor of Luciano Spalletti’s squad.
Spalletti himself has publicly stated that he feels covered in midfield — with one crucial caveat. The door remains open if the market delivers a “top-level player.” Juventus’ renewed push for Højbjerg suggests that the club considers him exactly that.
The main obstacle, however, remains Marseille. De Zerbi views Højbjerg as one of his leaders and has no intention of weakening his squad mid-season. Juventus, aware of the difficulty, have adjusted their strategy: alongside talks with the club, they are increasing direct pressure on the player’s camp. From Turin’s perspective, the player’s openness to a Serie A move could prove decisive in shifting the balance.
Italy appeals to Højbjerg as a new professional challenge, and Juventus’ interest has not gone unnoticed. Still, any breakthrough would require careful diplomacy — and likely a significant financial effort.
Should the Marseille path prove too complex, Juventus are also monitoring Davide Frattesi, whose situation at Inter has grown increasingly uncertain. Frattesi thrived under Spalletti with the Italian national team, and a reunion could offer him a central role once again. Inter, however, are reluctant to strengthen a direct domestic rival and would prefer to sell abroad if they decide to cash in.
Juventus’ market focus is not limited to midfield. Spalletti has identified two additional areas of need: a rotational winger behind Kenan Yildiz, and a right-back.
In attack, Federico Chiesa remains a concrete target. The Italian winger continues to struggle for continuity at Liverpool, where he has seen limited minutes despite recent appearances. Juventus would welcome him back, but negotiations are complicated by differing views on the deal structure. Liverpool are pushing for a permanent transfer, while Juventus are holding firm on a loan with conditional obligation to buy.
Alternatives are being evaluated. Daniel Maldini, expected to leave Atalanta, is one of the names under consideration, while more distant options include Yannick Carrasco and Albert Gudmundsson, though both scenarios appear less advanced.
Defensively, Juventus are also exploring the market for a right-back. Óscar Mingueza of Celta Vigo has been closely scouted, with sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli’s team tracking his situation carefully. The Spaniard is approaching the final months of his contract, but Celta are attempting to renew in order to maximize value, especially given Barcelona’s 50% sell-on clause.
As a fallback option, Norton-Cuffy of Genoa remains on the list, though only under a loan formula — a solution Juventus consider functional but not transformative.
Overall, Juventus’ approach is clear: no reckless spending, no panic buys. But if the right name becomes available — particularly one capable of making an immediate impact — the club is ready to move. The message from Turin is unmistakable: the market is open, and Juventus are watching closely.
