Juventus turn to emergency signings as Guardiola flop haunts City
Juventus have reopened negotiations for a former Guardiola signing that cost Manchester City R$ 256 million after a wave of injuries forced the Italian club to act despite the transfer window being closed. The Turinese side also secured free‑agent goalkeeper Neto on a short‑term deal, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Uma crisis of injuries has left the team scrambling for replacements, with both the goalkeeper and left‑back positions exposed. The club’s medical list includes several long‑term absences, prompting the management to explore every viable market option.
Goalkeeper emergency
The ACL rupture suffered by Kamil Grabara means he will miss the bulk of the 2026/27 campaign, and Juventus have turned to Neto as his direct replacement. Neto, a former Botafogo player born in 1989, joined the squad while still unattached and will sit behind Gugliemo Vicario. He has signed a contract that runs until the end of the season, with expiry in June 2027.
Left‑back hunt
Juventus’ search for a left‑back intensified after the failure to secure Nicolas Tagliafico and the uncertain future of Juan Cabal, who remains injured alongside Andrea Cambiaso. Coach Luciano Spalletti has been forced to deploy right‑winger Zeki Çelik on the left, a makeshift solution that highlights the depth problem.
Rayan Ait‑Nouri, the 25‑year‑old Algerian, has re‑entered Juventus’ radar as a potential loan target from Manchester City. The player was originally signed by City for 31 million pounds (R$ 256 million at the time) after Pep Guardiola’s request, but he has recorded no Premier League minutes after five rounds, only appearing as a substitute for 15 minutes against Porto in the Champions League and starting a Carabao Cup tie against Norwich City, where he delivered three assists.
Loan strategy
Juventus are looking to secure Ait‑Nouri on a traditional loan with an option to buy, deferring any permanent purchase until mid‑next year. Should the Algerian fail to regain regular playing time, he could become available in the January 2027 market, when the club hopes to finalise the deal.
Beyond Ait‑Nouri, Juventus have identified David Raum, whose contract with RB Leipzig expires, as a possible free‑transfer for the following season, though competition from English clubs is expected. With the January window still months away, the club must balance immediate needs with long‑term planning to remain competitive in the 2026/27 Serie A campaign.