News

Mercato Recap and Failed deals

Published

6 months ago

February 3, 2026

Juventus approached the January 2026 transfer window with a clear strategy: reinforce key areas without excessive spending, improve tactical depth for the second half of the season, and plan for long‑term development. The winter market officially closed on 2 February 2026 for Serie A clubs.

Main First‑Team Arrivals

Jérémie Boga — Loan with option to buy

Juventus secured the services of Jérémie Boga, a seasoned winger with Serie A experience, from Nice on a loan deal until 30 June 2026. The contract includes an option to buy the player permanently for €4.8 million, payable over two financial years.

Boga brings pace, creativity, and versatility to Juventus’ attacking corps — qualities the management believes can provide new offensive dynamics.

Emil Holm — Defensive reinforcement on loan

To strengthen the right‑back position, Juventus acquired Emil Alfons Holm from Bologna FC 1909 on loan until the end of the season.

The agreement includes a €15 million option to buy (plus up to €3 million in performance‑related bonuses). Holm’s arrival addresses one of coach Luciano Spalletti’s persistent requests for more defensive options.

Youth & Next Gen Additions

In addition to first‑team moves, Juventus added promising young talents to its Next Gen setup:

Adin Licina — midfielder signed from Bayern Munich on a permanent deal; contract through June 2029.

Other youth movements include internal promotions and reinforcements, though many remain within the club’s development teams rather than the senior squad.

Outgoings: Loans and Squad Optimization

Juventus also moved several players out to balance the roster and ensure game time for those not in Spalletti’s immediate plans.

Daniele Rugani — Loan to Fiorentina

Veteran centre‑back Daniele Rugani joined Fiorentina on loan for the remainder of the season. The deal includes an option to buy. This move gives Rugani consistent playing opportunities and helps free up squad space.

João Mário — Loan to Bologna

João Mário departed on a six‑month loan to Bologna with no buy option. Juventus opted to send him out to obtain more minutes away from Turin.

A number of fringe and youth players were also moved to other clubs, mostly on loan, including:

Jonas Rouhi — loan to Carrarese.

Valdes Ngana — loan move.

Alvin Okoro — concluded loan, returned to parent club.

Clemente Perotti — permanent move.

Riccardo Turicchia — free transfer.

Simone Cat Berro, Juan Ignacio Quattrocchi, Alessio Vacca and others on varied loan deals.

These transactions reflect Juventus’ emphasis on giving younger players competitive experience while streamlining the senior squad.

Overall Assessment

The 2026 winter transfer window for Juventus was pragmatic rather than headline‑grabbing. The club focused on strategic reinforcements — mainly in wide attacking areas and fullback depth — and managing squad size through targeted loans.

While the market lacked blockbuster signings, the moves made are aligned with Juventus’ goals for the second half of the Serie A season, balancing competitive needs with financial prudence.

Failed Deals & Targets That Never Materialised

Despite active pursuit and media attention, several important potential additions did not come to fruition:

Kolo Muani (Tottenham)

Juventus pursued Randal Kolo Muani as an ideal striker reinforcement, hoping to bring him back to Serie A after his time in France. However, Tottenham refused to let him go — reportedly due to their own competitive situation — meaning the deal collapsed late in negotiations.

Youssef En‑Nesyri (Sevilla / Fenerbahçe)

Another forward target, En‑Nesyri, was heavily linked with a January move on loan but ultimately never agreed a transfer. Reportedly, the Moroccan striker hesitated on the move and had other options re‑emerge, including from his former club Sevilla, derailing the planned switch to Turin.

Jean‑Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace)

Perhaps the most dramatic failed link involved Jean‑Philippe Mateta, whom Juventus reportedly eyed as part of a striker overhaul. Mateta’s proposed move to AC Milan collapsed due to knee concerns during medicals, and while Juventus entertained a loan move, time ran out before the deadline.

Juventus were also linked with Everton’s Beto late in the window as an alternative forward option, but Everton’s reluctance to sell him without a replacement meant that pursuit didn’t materialise either.