Juventus Transfer Market: The “No. 9” Is There, but an Alternative Could Be on the Way
Alexander Sorloth is a much better fit for the classic center forward that Juventus is looking for. The Norwegian from Atlético Madrid can act as a target man up front, hold up the ball, set up his teammates, and create space on the attack. His move to Turin, however, appears complicated: the Colchoneros are at risk of losing Julian Alvarez, who is being courted by Barcelona, and are unlikely to part with Sorloth as well—even on loan. Furthermore, on the national team, Haaland’s presence often forces him to start from a more wide position.
It should be noted, however, that the Norwegian is currently sidelined with a muscle injury, a circumstance that further complicates Juventus’ plans. The Bianconeri have reportedly identified Sorloth as the top target requested by Spalletti, with Atlético Madrid valuing him at around 30 million euros. In this regard, the situation involving Nico González could prove decisive: the sale of the Argentine to the Colchoneros—who have already appreciated his qualities during last season’s loan—could become the key to structuring a comprehensive deal with the Madrid club, allowing Juventus to finance the purchase of the Scandinavian center forward while simultaneously resolving the attacking midfielder’s situation.
The question of a true No. 9 therefore remains one of the main issues for Juventus to resolve. Following Vlahovic’s departure and with David considered on his way out—despite the fact that no convincing offers have yet been received for the Canadian—Juventus lacks a genuine focal point in the box. The only alternative already on the roster would be Milik, but his physical condition remains a major unknown.
Speaking of Milik, there has been an encouraging sign recently: the Polish forward, who had played just two games in the past two years due to injuries, is finally training regularly under Spalletti and took the field in the summer friendly matches. His attributes—those of a powerful, experienced No. 9 capable of making an impact even when coming off the bench—match exactly what the coach is looking for. His contract with Juventus expires in June 2027, but the significant uncertainty surrounding his physical condition prevents management from relying on him as a long-term solution.
Making a move in the transfer market even more urgent is a new setback that has emerged in the last few hours: Kenan Yildiz injured his left foot in the match against Frosinone and, according to reports in *La Gazzetta dello Sport*, surgery cannot be ruled out. He is expected to be sidelined for about two months, and it is unlikely that the Turkish player will be available to Spalletti before the end of October. In the coming weeks, his spot will be filled by Jeremie Boga and Kerim Alajbegovic, but the absence of the attacking midfielder further weakens an offensive unit that has already appeared lacking. At the end of the match against Frosinone, Spalletti was explicit: “We’re looking for a striker with different characteristics, because there are games that are decided in the final twenty minutes, and it’s easier to score with a header when defenses close in.”
For this reason, it’s virtually certain that the club will make a move in the transfer market during the final week. The lead that seems to offer the best prospects points to Manchester United’s Zirkzee, even though the Dutchman doesn’t fully fit the profile of the center forward described by Spalletti. Endowed with great technical ability and particularly effective at setting up his teammates, Zirkzee also possesses a strong physical build, but his presence and power in the final sixteen meters are not his main strengths.
