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Juventus has four targets for the midfield

Published

9 months ago

August 6, 2025

Juventus have made one thing clear this summer: midfield is the top priority. In particular, the club is focused on signing a deep-lying playmaker—someone who can dictate tempo and bring balance.

Under Igor Tudor’s leadership, the Bianconeri are looking to build a solid spine, starting with a reliable defensive midfielder. According to Corriere dello Sport, Juventus have narrowed down their shortlist to four serious candidates.

Hjulmand leads the pack – but he’s not cheap

The frontrunner is Morten Hjulmand, a standout performer for Sporting CP in Portugal. The 25-year-old Dane impressed last season with his composure, tactical intelligence, and passing range.

Juventus have already reached a verbal agreement with Hjulmand on personal terms. The proposed deal would see him earn €3 million per season on a four-year contract.

However, the main obstacle remains his club. Sporting Lisbon are holding firm on his €60 million release clause. Juventus, however, are not ready to pay that figure outright.

They are instead hoping to lower the price to around €30–40 million, possibly including bonuses or player exchanges. The strong desire of Hjulmand to join Juventus may help move negotiations forward.

If talks break down or stall, the Turin-based club has a backup plan. Matt O’Riley of Brighton is the first alternative. He’s a technical midfielder, good at controlling play and making late runs into the box.

O’Riley may not have Hjulmand’s experience at the top level, but his potential is undeniable. Importantly, his transfer fee would likely be more reasonable than the €60 million Sporting are demanding.

Two other midfielders are also being monitored, though they remain secondary options for now. One is Yves Bissouma, who has had a strong spell at Tottenham. His market value stands at around €20 million, making him an affordable and experienced option.

He brings energy, aggression, and good ball-winning ability to the midfield. However, it’s unclear if he fits Tudor’s specific tactical plans.

The other is Sofyan Amrabat, currently at Fenerbahce after his previous stint with Fiorentina. The Moroccan international would welcome a return to Serie A. But as it stands, he is not a priority target for the Juventus management.

Juventus director Damien Comolli, along with his technical staff, is working hard behind the scenes. The goal is to secure a midfielder who complements the current squad and fits Tudor’s vision. A signing in this role would help stabilize the team and build a more competitive foundation for the season ahead.