Real Madrid plan audacious move for Juventus midfielder Locatelli | OneFootball

Real Madrid have been surprisingly linked with a move for Juventus captain Manuel Locatelli, as they weigh alternatives after missing out on Rodri.

According to Sportal, citing Ekrem Konur, Los Blancos are exploring a range of midfield options following Rodri’s reported decision to join Barcelona, and Locatelli is said to be among the names José Mourinho is considering.

It would be a low-key, left-field choice for the Spanish giants, and the mere suggestion has set Juventus supporters talking, given he is one of the more divisive figures in the squad.

LECCE, ITALY – MAY 09: Head coach of Juventus FC Luciano Spalletti smiles during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Juventus FC at Stadio Via del Mare on May 09, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

Juventus must sell before adding to Spalletti’s midfield

For Juventus, any interest would land at a convenient moment.

The Bianconeri need to raise funds to continue their own market, having already brought in Randal Kolo Muani and Kerim Alajbegović, and must sell before they buy.

Locatelli, at the club since 2021, has racked up 230 appearances and re-established himself in the Italy squad, with his value put at around €25-30m; he extended his contract until 2030 only last April, so Juventus would be under no pressure to sell cheaply.

He is not the only midfielder whose future is uncertain.

Teun Koopmeiners, never quite convincing since his €50m-plus move, could be on his way out, with Newcastle having made a concrete enquiry for a player valued at around €30m.

Fabio Miretti has also been linked with an exit, Lazio sounding out a loan-with-option deal, while defender Federico Gatti remains a target for Massimiliano Allegri’s Napoli.