Juventus have promoted teenage goalkeeper Riccardo Radu from their Primavera youth team to the first-team squad. The 17-year-old, who was born in Turin but represents Romania internationally, earned his first senior call-up earlier this season following an injury to Mattia Perin and has now been formally elevated after a standout campaign with the Under-20 side.
Radu's promotion comes after he played a pivotal role for Juventus Primavera in their run to the Coppa Italia Primavera final, which they lost to Atalanta in a penalty shootout. His performances throughout the season, which included 12 clean sheets in 31 appearances for the youth team, were reportedly observed from the stands by Italy's national team coach Luciano Spalletti and several club officials, including former Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini.
According to the source material, Radu has been with Juventus for over a decade, progressing through the academy ranks. He made his Primavera debut in the derby against Inter under then-coach Francesco Magnanelli, keeping a clean sheet. This season, under Simone Padoin, he established himself as the starting goalkeeper, also earning 12 call-ups to the Juventus Next Gen squad, the club's reserve team that plays in Serie C.
The young goalkeeper's journey to the professional game has been unconventional. He initially joined Juventus as a forward at the age of eight, only switching to goalkeeper by chance when his team's designated keeper was injured. His family has recounted that he enjoyed the experience so much he asked when he could play in goal again, and he never looked back. Radu signed his first professional contract with Juventus in July 2024.
His path has also been marked by significant adversity. Less than a year ago, during a Primavera match against Sassuolo, Radu suffered a serious facial fracture following a violent collision with teammate Francesco Verde. The incident required immediate hospital treatment, but he has since made a full recovery and returned to form.
The move to integrate Radu into the first-team environment is a logical step for Juventus as they plan for the future. With veteran goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny firmly established as number one and Mattia Perin as his deputy, Radu will gain crucial experience training with the senior squad. His promotion reflects a club strategy to develop and retain its most promising academy talents, offering a pathway to the first team.
For Radu, this represents the next stage in his development within the club he has called home since childhood. His inclusion provides additional depth in the goalkeeping department and allows him to learn directly from established Serie A players. The expectation is that he will continue to feature for the Primavera and Next Gen sides while being available for first-team duties when required.
