In a season where Juventus struggles to recapture its former dominance, the pressing question many fans ask is: who should Juventus sign to restore glory, bolster its squad, and compete on all fronts? In this article, DuitKick will walk you through Juventus’s needs, the top targets in the rumor mill, tactical fit, risk vs reward, and propose a smart shortlist of names that could change the club’s trajectory in 2025–26.
Juventus’s current needs: Where the team is weak
Before pinpointing names, we must understand the gaps in the squad. Juventus has undergone transitions — new management, board changes, and a squad that shows signs of instability. Here’s a breakdown of their key needs.
Aging or fragile depth in defense
Juventus has invested in defenders like Lloyd Kelly (signed permanently) to stabilize the backline. However, injuries in defense remain a concern, and in several games, defensive frailties have cost them badly. They need reinforcements who are both dependable and adaptable—able to slot into back three or four, handle aerial duels, and cover across the defensive line.
Midfield without control & creativity
The midfield currently has some solidity, but lacks a true “engine” — a midfielder who can both break lines and provide sustained energy. In addition, creativity in the center (the “number 8 / number 10” zone) is limited. Reports suggest Juventus is pushing for players like Morten Hjulmand to add balance and dynamism. otball.com])
A prolific, reliable striker
Dusan Vlahović has had a turbulent relationship with the club. There are suggestions the club might let him go in January if a replacement arrives. Meanwhile, Juventus has aimed at Randal Kolo Muani to fill the striker void. The need is clear: a forward who can score consistently, link up play, and adapt to the tactical demands.
Wide attacking depth & flexibility
In the wings, Juventus added Edon Zhegrova on deadline day, giving renewed hope in that department. & White & Read All Over]) Still, to compete domestically and in Europe, they need more width, rotation, and injury cover.
Squad balance: mixing youth and experience
Analysts have emphasized the importance of combining experienced signings with emerging talents—too many youths without leadership can result in inconsistency. Classic examples of Juventus squads show that smart veterans anchor the dressing room and performance. The club has historically blended star names with homegrown prospects.
Key Name Targets: Who Did Juventus Eye in 2025?
Below are rumored or plausible names that have been linked to Juventus. Some are realistic, others more speculative — but all deserve attention when considering who should Juventus sign.
Morten Hjulmand
Hjulmand is a central midfield anchor, known for his stamina, ball recovery, and vertical passing. Juventus are allegedly in talks with Sporting to acquire him. ) He could be the balance between defense and attack that the current midfield lacks.
Randal Kolo Muani
Muani is among the front-line targets. Juventus has reportedly explored him as a flagship striker signing. With pace, movement, and scoring instinct, he fits a modern forward profile. The challenge: getting favorable terms and competing with other suitors.
Edon Zhegrova
Already confirmed, Zhegrova is a winger who brings agility and width to Juventus’s attacking options. His signing signals that the club values external attacking talent. He may not be a transformative signing alone, but part of a necessary piece.
Rasmus Højlund
While Juventus has considered Højlund, his reported valuation and resistance. He remains in the conversation thanks to his goal-scoring profile.
Others: Tielemans, O’Riley, Nahuel Molina
Midfielders like Tielemans and O’Riley have been floated in rumor lists. Meanwhile, full-backs like Nahuel Molina have been discussed as rotating options. These names might be secondary — depth pieces rather than marquee splash.
Wildcard: Sergej Milinković-Savić
Though currently in Saudi Arabia, some reports have revived his name as a target to bolster Juve’s midfield with experience and physicality. It would be a complicated move, but not impossible for a club chasing impact.
Tactical Fit: Which Profiles Suit Juventus Best?
It’s not just about who is good, but who fits Juve’s system under Igor Tudor and the club’s overall philosophy.
Defensive profile
Juventus often utilizes a three-at-the-back or back-five system. Ideal defenders should:
- Be comfortable on either side (versatility)els (especially aerial)
- Be calm under pressure (to help build from the back)
Lloyd Kelly has been a positive acquisition — versatile and composed. But more cover is needed.
Midfielder profile
Juve needs:
- A “regista” or deep-lying pivot (to control tempo)
- Box-to-box energy
- Creative spark to break lines
Hjulmand fits this mold — physical, intelligent, and combative. The club must avoid players whose styles overlap too much (e.g. too many ball-winners but no creators).
Forward profile
In modern football, forwards must:
- Score regularly
- Be mobile and able to press
- Offer link-up play, not just goal poaching
Muani meets much of this criteria. If Juventus can lure a top-tier forward with these traits, the equation improves drastically.
Wider attackers
Wingers should offer pace, dribbling, and defensive support. Zhegrova is a step in that direction. More players in this mold would allow rotation and mitigate fatigue.
Risks & Challenges: Why some targets may fail
When considering who should Juventus sign, it’s vital to weigh risk:
- Financial constraints: Juventus must manage budgets, amortization, and debt. Overpaying for names can hurt balance sheets.
- Adaptation risk: Players from different leagues may struggle to adapt to Serie A’s tactical complexity.
- Squad harmony: Too many high-ego arrivals can disrupt teamwork—Juve must balance personalities.
- Injury history: Some targets may have injury records that make them risky for long seasons.
Juventus need signings who are ready to contribute immediately — not long-term projects stuck on the bench.
Shortlist: Who Should Juventus Sign (Top 3 Picks)
After analyzing needs, rumors, fit, and risks, here’s a recommended shortlist of three players Juventus should aggressively pursue:
|
Position |
Player |
Why He Fits |
|
Central midfield |
Morten Hjulmand |
Adds stability, energy, and passing range; fills current midfield gap |
|
Striker |
Randal Kolo Muani |
Pace, movement, finishing — ideal modern forward template |
|
Wing / support |
Edon Zhegrova |
Already signed, but essential part of attacking depth and rotational options |
These three, together, would bring balance: a midfield anchor, a new leading striker, and additional attacking width.
If budgets and competition allow, Juventus could aim for a wildcard entry like Milinković-Savić or target a backup defender with versatility to support the backline.
Implementation & Timing: When and how
- January window action: If Vlahović exits or underperforms, securing Muani (or alternative) in winter is urgent.
- Summer 2026: Reinforce further — target a top-tier center back and possibly another creative midfield addition.
- Blend experience with youth: Let Adžić, Next Gen talents, and rising players feature — but anchor them with solid veterans.
Purchases should consider amortization and long-term wages. Juventus must avoid panic buying and should leverage smart loans with options-to-buy when possible.
Conclusion
Who should Juventus sign? Juventus should sign Morten Hjulmand, Randal Kolo Muani, and build around Edon Zhegrova to cover midfield balance, attacking firepower, and wing depth. These moves would address key structural weaknesses, uplift tactical flexibility, and fuel the club’s ambitions domestically and in Europe.
DuitKick invites you to follow these developments — stay tuned for updates, rumors, and insider analysis. If you like, I can also write profiles of each of these players or simulate Juve’s ideal 2025–26 XI — just ask!
