Juventus have completed the signing of Jeff Osayuki Ekhator from Genoa in a deal worth up to €18 million, the club confirmed on Friday. The 17-year-old forward has signed a long-term contract with the Bianconeri, running until June 30, 2031.
The transfer represents the first acquisition under the new leadership of Giovanni Carnevali at Juventus. Ekhator, born in Genoa in November 2006, progressed through the youth ranks at Genoa, joining their academy at the age of eight. He made his Serie A debut in August 2024 and scored his first goal in the competition two months later.
In total, Ekhator made 57 appearances for Genoa across Serie A and Coppa Italia, registering five goals. Juventus described him as a physically strong, quick, and versatile attacker with a good goalscoring record and a strong work ethic, highlighting his potential for development.
The deal is structured with Juventus paying €16 million upfront, with a further €2 million in potential add-ons based on sporting achievements. The transfer also includes additional costs of €0.4 million. As part of the agreement, David Puczka is set to move in the opposite direction, joining Genoa. The Austrian winger, who played for Juventus Next Gen, is valued at around €5 million, with potential bonuses and a 10% sell-on clause for Juventus.
Puczka’s contract with Genoa is expected to run until 2030, with an option for an extension. Ekhator expressed his delight at joining Juventus, stating it was a great opportunity to grow as a player, and that he felt the club was the right place to improve. The arrival of Ekhator adds depth to Juventus’ attacking options and signals a focus on developing young talent.
