Juventus are facing a congested and uncertain midfield situation ahead of the upcoming Serie A season, with the club struggling to offload surplus players despite needing reinforcements, according to a report from Milano-based journalists. Manager Massimiliano Allegri currently only has two reliable options in midfield: Manuel Locatelli and Weston McKennie.
Locatelli, recently extended his contract until 2023 with an annual salary of approximately €4 million plus bonuses, has shown significant growth, becoming the midfielder with the most forward passes and progressive runs per game in Europe. However, concerns remain regarding his leadership qualities, particularly after failing to secure Champions League qualification at the end of last season. McKennie, under Spalletti’s guidance, has developed into a dynamic attacking threat, reaching new levels of performance.
Beyond the established duo, the picture is less clear. Khephren Thuram is currently recovering from a femoro-patellar syndrome that hampered him at the end of the previous campaign and is working towards fitness for the start of the season. After two seasons in Turin, Thuram has yet to fully realize his potential. Douglas Luiz has also made a disappointing start to pre-season, lacking the consistency needed to compete at a high level, potentially due to recent injury problems. Teun Koopmeiners has struggled to cope with the pressure and expectations since arriving at the club, appearing hesitant and ineffective. Adzic is likely to be sent out on loan for further development.
Arthur is considered a long-term surplus to requirements, while Miretti, despite a promising goal from a free-kick against Standard Liegi and glimpses of potential last season, struggles with distribution and may be sacrificed to balance the books. Juventus find themselves with an overcrowded midfield, difficult to trim, but in desperate need of strengthening. The club’s priority remains strengthening in goal and in attack, but the situation in midfield is becoming increasingly problematic as the transfer window progresses.
