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Spalletti wants World Cup Sensation

Published

2 months ago

July 6, 2026

Juventus continue their search for a new deep-lying playmaker ahead of the new season, with the club looking to strengthen the heart of midfield for head coach Luciano Spalletti.

The ideal profile remains a traditional regista capable of controlling possession and dictating the tempo, either alongside or as an alternative to Manuel Locatelli.

According to Tuttosport, one of Spalletti’s dream targets is Stanislav Lobotka, a midfielder the Italian coach knows well from their successful spell together at Napoli.

However, prising the Slovak international away from the Serie A champions is currently considered an extremely difficult task, forcing Juventus to explore alternative solutions.

Douglas Luiz Set for Fresh Opportunity

Rather than rushing into the transfer market, Juventus are expected to give Douglas Luiz another opportunity to prove his worth.

The Brazilian midfielder is scheduled to report back to Continassa on July 13 for pre-season preparations after a disappointing campaign that failed to justify the club’s significant investment.

Juventus are reportedly prepared to test Douglas Luiz in the regista role, hoping he can rediscover the qualities that once made him one of the Premier League’s most highly regarded midfielders.

The coaching staff believe a change in responsibilities could help unlock his best form and finally allow him to establish himself in Turin.

Should the experiment fail, Juventus are expected to revisit the transfer market before the end of the summer and pursue a specialist playmaker instead.

Christ Inao Oulai Attracting Serious Interest

Another name firmly on Juventus’ radar is Christ Inao Oulai, the talented 20-year-old midfielder currently playing for Trabzonspor.

The Ivory Coast international impressed with his performances at the FIFA Club World Cup and has emerged as one of the tournament’s breakout young players.

Highly technical and comfortable under pressure, Oulai is known for his ability to escape pressing situations, control possession, and create attacking opportunities from deep.

His profile has reportedly impressed Juventus executives Giovanni Carnevali and Marco Ottolini, who are increasingly inclined to invest in promising young talent rather than experienced players over the age of 30.

Competition for Oulai is already intense, with Fiorentina, RB Leipzig, Brighton, and Brentford all monitoring the midfielder.

Trabzonspor have already rejected a €25 million bid, highlighting both the player’s growing reputation and the Turkish club’s determination to keep him.

Meanwhile, Franck Kessié and Leon Goretzka remain attractive free-agent opportunities for Juventus.

However, Tuttosport reports that any move for either experienced midfielder would likely depend on the departure of one of the club’s current midfield stars, such as Teun Koopmeiners or Khéphren Thuram, before the transfer window closes.