Juventus manager Massimiliano Spalletti has reportedly voiced his frustration with the club’s slow progress in the transfer market, according to reports from Turin. Despite trusting the new leadership under Giovanni Carnevali and Ricky Massara, Spalletti is eager to see reinforcements arrive quickly, requesting at least five new signings to complete his squad.
So far, Juventus has only added two players during the transfer window: free agent Celik, formerly of Roma, and young talent Ekhator from Genoa, though Ekhator is currently sidelined with an injury expected to keep him out for at least twenty days. Spalletti had anticipated a more substantial overhaul following last season’s sixth-place finish and subsequent qualification for the Europa League, hoping to secure a replacement for Dusan Vlahovic, or at least a renewal of the Serbian’s contract, which is set to expire. The manager is reportedly struggling to contain his disappointment with a squad he feels is still far from his vision.
Spalletti is said to have undergone a shift in demeanor, becoming more direct and even stern with his players, particularly those whose futures at the club are uncertain. A number of players are currently being considered for departures, including goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio, defenders Juan Cabal and Joao Mario, and midfielder Arthur, among others. Spalletti reportedly told the squad bluntly, “Change pace! I will stay here, but many of you will leave.”
As the Serie A season approaches – Juventus’s campaign begins on August 23rd against Frosinone – Spalletti currently only has three or four players he considers secure starters: Manuel Locatelli, Andrea Cambiaso, and Kalulu. Khephren Thuram and Kenan Yildiz are still recovering from recent injuries, while Weston McKennie, Gleison Bremer, and Francisco Conceicao are still completing their post-season breaks. The manager is therefore reliant on the transfer market to fill key positions, particularly in attack and in goal. The club is reportedly pursuing Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez, Parma’s Suzuki, and Tottenham’s Vicario as potential goalkeepers, while Randal Kolo Muani of Paris Saint-Germain is a priority target in attack, with Juventus having offered over 40 million euros including bonuses. Other targets include Joshua Zirkzee on loan from Manchester United and Mateo Pellegrino from Parma.
Spalletti is also hoping to add a defensive reinforcement and is reportedly interested in Franck Kessie as a free agent and Douglas Luiz in midfield. These signings are seen as crucial to Juventus’s ambitions of competing at the highest level after a disappointing previous season.
