Juventus eye Italian full‑back Kayode as price tag looms

Juventus are circling Brentford full‑back Michael Kayode even as the 21‑year‑old cements his reputation with a goal, four big chances and a debut Italy goal in a 4‑1 win over Turkey in the UEFA Nations League,

Italian‑core strategy mirrors PSG success

Chief executive Giovanni Carnevali and sporting director Ricky Massara have said the club wants a stronger Italian core, a model that proved effective at Paris Saint‑Germain. The French side originally recruited worldwide but later prioritised French players, a shift that helped them finally break their duck and lift the Champions League. Juventus hope to replicate that domestic focus to build a future‑ready squad.

Kayode, who spent his formative years in Juventus’ youth academy, moved to Fiorentina where he emerged as one of Italy’s most promising full‑backs. His performances earned him a transfer to Brentford in January 2025. Juventus have kept tabs on his development ever since he left Turin.

In his first full season at Brentford, Kayode made 37 league appearances, scored once and created four big chances. He contributed to eight clean sheets and won 60 percent of his aerial duels and 57 percent of his ground duels. Those numbers underline his defensive reliability on the right flank.

Adani praises Olise: the French talent who enchants Italy

His ability to surge up and down the right side has made him an early standout in the English campaign. However, any move back to Turin will be complicated by what insiders describe as a potentially enormous price tag, with Brentford expected to demand “an arm and a leg”. The financial hurdle adds a further layer to Juventus’ recruitment calculus.

Kayode’s international profile rose after he netted on his Italy debut as the Azzurri beat Turkey 4‑1. He also featured in the side that drew 1‑1 with France yesterday. Those performances have put him firmly on the radar of the Serie A giants.

Other Italian prospects on Juventus’ radar

Beyond Kayode, the 36‑time Serie A champions are monitoring Frosinone goalkeeper Lorenzo Palmisani, midfielder Cher Ndour and forward Davide Frattesi. Cagliari’s Alessandro Romano and Frosinone’s Antonio Raimondo have also attracted interest. Even Borussia Dortmund’s Samuele Inacio is listed among the players Juventus are tracking.

Italy beats Turkey but Samuele Inacio stays on the bench: future uncertain

The contrast between Juventus’ ambition to deepen its Italian base and the steep price demanded for Kayode highlights the club’s delicate balancing act. It remains to be seen whether the Bianconeri can secure the defender without compromising their financial strategy.