Juventus Transfer Market: Three Signings in January. Spalletti Drops a Player: “He’s Not Giving It His All on the Field”

In January, Juventus will invest in the transfer market to strengthen, above all, the attacking lineup at Luciano Spalletti’s disposal, but at the same time, it may part ways with some players who have fallen out of favor with the Tuscan coach. Among them is Edon Zhegrova.

The Kosovar winger has failed to impress Spalletti, who hesitates to start him even when he has no other players available. The former national team coach has repeatedly criticized the player for his lack of consistency and focus on the field: “Sometimes he zones out defensively and in terms of positioning, like when he has to chase down an opponent. At this level, you can’t afford that,” he said after the match against Fiorentina.

In January, Zhegrova—who has started just once since arriving in Turin—could be put on the transfer market to make room for other players. The Bianconeri are primarily looking for a prolific striker and have set their sights on Atlético Madrid’s Alexander Sorloth: the Norwegian is the closest match to the profile Spalletti is seeking—a powerful striker capable of finding the back of the net. Juventus had already worked extensively on this deal last summer, but the club’s interest had become entangled with Atlético’s interest in Nico González, and the parties were unable to reach an agreement on the terms and financial valuations.

Now, talks between Turin and Madrid could be reignited: also on the table are the future of Jonathan David—who arrived at Atlético in late August on a free loan with an option to buy set at 25 million and is now relegated to a backup role off the bench—and the Colchoneros’ possible renewed interest in Gonzalez himself, who has since won over Spalletti.

Other names include Retegui and Balogun. But it’s not just about the attack: the Bianconeri will also be on the hunt for a midfielder and a fullback. The transfer team could make another push for Marseille’s Hojbjerg, who is set to leave the French club. For the wingback position, all eyes are on Ait-Nouri, who is effectively out of the picture at Manchester City.