Juventus have promoted young midfielder Joseph Owusu to their first team squad, with manager Massimiliano Spalletti intervening to halt potential transfer offers, according to reports in Italy. The decision comes after Spalletti observed Owusu in action against Basel during pre-season, following previous training sessions with the first team at the end of last season.
Owusu, a product of the Juventus youth academy, is expected to fill a squad space previously occupied by Fabio Miretti, who is reportedly set to leave the club in the near future. The move also benefits Juventus in terms of Serie A squad registration rules, as Owusu’s homegrown status allows for a more flexible roster.
Owusu is described as a physically developed midfielder who has gained experience managing the tempo of play in the Next Gen competition. He received his first call-up to a Juventus matchday squad in 2024 under then-manager Thiago Motta, travelling to Lecce as cover during an injury crisis. The club previously resisted offers for the player last summer, including interest from Saudi Arabia, promising him a pathway to first-team football.
Prior to Spalletti’s intervention, several Serie B clubs and some mid-to-lower table Serie A teams had expressed interest in signing Owusu. However, the manager’s decision indicates a belief in the player’s potential and a desire to integrate him into the Juventus first-team setup for at least the upcoming season. Owusu’s promotion provides additional midfield depth for Juventus as they prepare for the new campaign, and offers a potential long-term solution in the centre of the park.
