Juventus eye a left‑back and Hojbjerg in Champions race

After the victory over Lecce, Juventus have regained momentum and are once again chasing the Champions League places, but the pressure on Hojbjerg remains high. Coach Spalletti has already indicated the need for new signings, especially in defence, to consolidate the European push.

The win over Lecce has certainly given Juventus a boost, putting them back in the chase for a Champions League spot. The result has revitalised Spalletti’s side, which now looks at the upcoming challenges with greater confidence. However, to cement their position, the club knows it will have to act in the January market.

Carnevali and Massara have already taken stock in recent days, confirming that Spalletti’s demands line up with the needs of a squad that requires at least one reinforcement per department. The club, aware of the need to stay in the European race, is carefully evaluating the available options. Their assessments indicate that the roster needs reinforcements in several areas to maintain competitiveness.

Need for a left‑back

In defence, the priority is to find a left‑wing back. The leading candidate is Rayan Ait‑Nouri, a 25‑year‑old full‑back from Manchester City and the Algerian national team. Juventus aim to persuade the English club to let him go on a loan with an option to buy. The black‑and‑white club is ready to move immediately if the opportunity arises.

There are already a few profiles being considered for the winter window, but Ait‑Nouri remains the candidate closest to the profile Spalletti is looking for. The coach highlighted that a full‑back capable of contributing both defensively and offensively is essential for the intended system. If the transfer materialises, Juventus would acquire a young player with experience in one of Europe’s top leagues.

Options for attack and midfield

In recent hours the name of Nagida from Rennes, an opponent of the black‑and‑white side in Thursday’s Europa League tie, has also surfaced. The prospect of Emerson Palmieri, who was already being pursued in the summer and now plays for Marseille, remains alive. At the same time, Juventus keep contacts open for Hojbjerg, deemed ideal to partner with Locatelli and Thuram thanks to his character. Marseille have not closed the door, so the black‑and‑white side remain on the pressure and the negotiation could pick up after the November break.

For attack, the options remain Balogun and Sorloth. In the case of Balogun, Juventus would need to commit a significant investment, whereas Sorloth represents a cheaper solution. Both alternatives could give the club the offensive boost needed to aim for a Champions League spot.