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Who is Johannes Spors, new favourite for Sporting Director

Published

12 months ago

October 24, 2025

According to Sky Sport, Juventus have started talks with Johannes Spors, the current sporting director of Southampton. Born in Germany and with professional experience across Europe, Spors is emerging as a strong candidate to join the Bianconeri management team.

Juventus are continuing their search for a new executive to work alongside Damien Comolli and François Modesto. The club aims to appoint someone who can take charge of contract renewals and transfer strategies.

The new CEO has long promised to expand the management structure, and several profiles have already been considered in recent weeks.

A rising executive with Global Experience

Johannes Spors, born on August 17, 1982, in Germany, began his career in football in 2007 with Hoffenheim’s second team as a video analyst. His sharp eye for talent and analytical approach quickly earned him promotion.

By 2013, he had become the club’s Head of Scouting, a position he held until 2015. He then joined RB Leipzig for three years, leading the scouting department during the club’s rapid rise in German football.

After a brief spell with Hamburg, Spors began his European journey that would define his career. In the Netherlands, he joined Vitesse, where he transitioned from scouting to a full management role.

His path later led him to Italy and Genoa, where he served as General Director from 2021 to 2022. Through his connection with 777 Partners, he became Global Sports Director, overseeing football operations for clubs such as Genoa, Standard Liège, Red Star FC, Melbourne Victory, and Vasco da Gama.

Since February 15, 2025, Spors has been the Technical Director of Southampton, guiding the club through its Championship campaign. His mission is to rebuild the squad and return to the Premier League, although results have yet to meet expectations.

Throughout his career, Spors has built a reputation for discovering and developing talent. Among his most notable successes are Ibrahima Konaté, Lois Openda—now playing for Juventus—and Mateo Retegui, the Italian national team striker who delivered strong returns for Genoa.

If Juventus finalize his arrival, Spors would bring international vision, data-driven scouting expertise, and proven leadership to Turin’s evolving football structure.