The Bianconeri hunt for January opportunities as Spalletti waits for reinforcements on the right flank and dreams of Federico Chiesa’s return
Juventus’ January transfer window is being shaped less by spending power and more by timing, creativity, and opportunity. With limited room to maneuver financially, the club is working on two parallel tracks that could define the rest of the season: Oscar Mingueza, a realistic and immediate solution for the defense, and Federico Chiesa, a far more emotional and complex situation that depends largely on Liverpool and Mohamed Salah.
Mingueza: a concrete option for Spalletti
On the defensive side, Juventus have identified Oscar Mingueza as the right-profile addition Luciano Spalletti has been quietly asking for. The issue is simple: Pierre Kalulu has played virtually every minute on the right side of defense, and expecting him to carry that load through May would be a serious risk.
Mingueza, developed at Barcelona and now a key figure at Celta Vigo, offers tactical flexibility, international experience, and immediate readiness. Last season marked his true breakthrough in La Liga, earning him call-ups with Spain, including appearances in the Nations League.
The situation makes sense for all parties. Mingueza’s contract expires in June 2026 and renewal talks with Celta have stalled. Juventus are already in pole position for a free transfer in the summer, but the door is open to bringing him in now. The Spanish club would accept a fee in the region of €5 million, though half of that would go to Barcelona due to a sell-on clause.
The player himself is pushing for the move, attracted by the idea of Serie A and a central role at Juventus. Premier League side Aston Villa are also monitoring him, but Juve believe this could become a classic January opportunity—low cost, high utility, immediate impact.
Chiesa: everything depends on Salah
If Mingueza represents pragmatism, Federico Chiesa represents ambition, nostalgia, and risk. Juventus are ready. Chiesa is ready. What’s missing is Liverpool’s green light.
The former Juve star has made it clear he would accept lower wages and a reduced role initially to return to Turin, restart his career, and keep alive his World Cup ambitions. From Juventus’ perspective, Chiesa would be the ideal solution as a vice-Yıldız, adding depth, unpredictability, and experience to the attack.
The key variable is Mohamed Salah. With the Egyptian star returning to Liverpool after AFCON disappointment, the Reds must decide whether they still consider him untouchable. If Salah stays—and all signs currently point in that direction—Liverpool could afford to let Chiesa go. If Salah were to push for an exit, however, any Chiesa deal would be frozen immediately.
Liverpool, for their part, are not keen on a straight loan. They want a structure that includes either a permanent transfer or at least an obligation to buy. Juventus are holding their ground, aware that January deals are often decided in the final days, when leverage shifts.
Two open tables, one philosophy
Juventus’ strategy is clear: maximize opportunities without destabilizing the project. Mingueza could arrive quickly and quietly, solving a tactical problem for Spalletti. Chiesa, instead, would be a statement move—one that blends sporting logic with emotional resonance.
Both negotiations remain wide open. As Juventus know well, winter markets are not about volume, but about precision. And sometimes, the right move is simply being ready when the moment arrives.
