Spalletti has clear January transfer priority for Juventus

Multiple sources report that Juventus’ priority in January will be to sign a new deep-lying playmaker, and according to Gazzetta, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg is Luciano Spalletti’s primary target.

Juventus will be looking for a new central midfielder in January. Gazzetta confirms that Spalletti’s priority in the winter transfer window will be to sign a deep-lying playmaker who would, on paper, replace Manuel Locatelli.

According to the report, Marseille’s Pierre-Emile Højbjerg tops Spalletti’s shortlist, but the ex-Spurs midfielder is having a key role under Roberto De Zerbi so it won’t be easy to reach an agreement with the French club.

Gazzetta claims that Højbjerg is seen as an ideal addition to the Juventus squad, being a ‘technical and charismatic leader.’

The pink paper notes that Spalletti still trust Locatelli, but it is no secret that the Italian midfielder ‘does not embody the ideal regista for the Tuscan tactician.’

Tuttosport already mentioned Højbjerg as a January transfer target for Juventus, alongside Parma’s Adrian Bernabé.

Another playmaker reported to be on the Juventus agenda is Elche’s Rodrigo Mendoza, who has a €20m release clause and has also been linked with moves to Manchester City or Real Madrid.

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper, November 19, 2025, page 23.