Juventus torn between Xhaka gamble and new midfield vision | OneFootball

Juventus are entering a pivotal phase as the new season approaches, weighed down by a midfield puzzle that remains unsolved, according to reports from Tutto Juve, Bianconera News, and the Gazzetta. The main concern revolves around the lack of a true midfield playmaker—a metronome able to dictate tempo and inject vision into the Bianconeri’s attacking style.

For much of last season, Manuel Locatelli handled the deep-lying midfield role. While praised for his commitment and defensive work, criticism persists that Locatelli is not a natural regista. He’s described as laboring to control the rhythm of play, which contributes to Juventus’ predictable, sometimes plodding ball circulation. The consensus among insiders is clear: if Juventus aspire to reach the highest level, a specialist playmaker is required.

With this context, the club has focused its attention on experienced profiles. Granit Xhaka, who played a central role in Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga triumph in 2023–24 after leaving Arsenal, features prominently on Juventus’s shortlist. The 32-year-old Swiss international is recognized for his passing range, composure in possession, and leadership on the pitch—qualities Marco Tardelli, speaking to Gazzetta, identified as essential for Juventus to restore structure and creativity in midfield. “At that age, Xhaka is still young in the modern game. His leadership and vision are what Juventus need,” Tardelli noted, downplaying age as a concern by comparing Xhaka’s longevity to that of Luka Modric.

However, Xhaka’s price tag complicates matters. Bianconera News reports Leverkusen values him at around €15 million. Given his age and the lack of resale value, Juventus are only likely to move forward if that figure can be lowered closer to €5–7 million—a more palatable investment for a short-term fix.

The club is also monitoring alternatives, with Benfica’s 26-year-old Florentino Luis emerging as another candidate, carrying a valuation of about €20 million. Juventus’ ability to spend could hinge on outgoing deals, notably the possible sale of Douglas Luiz, with the club holding out for at least €30–35 million for the Brazilian midfielder. Meanwhile, Teun Koopmeiners is expected to be given a fresh opportunity to rediscover his best form in Turin, rather than being asked to fill a playmaker’s brief.

Tardelli has also advocated for homegrown solutions, suggesting that a modern build should center on emerging talents like Kenan Yildiz, while insisting that players such as Koopmeiners be deployed in their natural roles—emphasizing insertion and power, not deep playmaking.

The Juventus board thus faces a summer of critical decisions: pay up for proven experience in Xhaka, invest more heavily in a younger option like Florentino Luis, or try to coax more out of present resources under Igor Tudor’s guidance. The question of the regista remains front and center.

(Sources: Tutto Juve, Bianconera News, Gazzetta)

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