Spalletti has clear January transfer priority for Juventus | OneFootball

Multiple sources report that Juventus’ priority in January will be to sign a new deep-lying playmaker, and according to Gazzetta, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg is Luciano Spalletti’s primary target.

Juventus will be looking for a new central midfielder in January. Gazzetta confirms that Spalletti’s priority in the winter transfer window will be to sign a deep-lying playmaker who would, on paper, replace Manuel Locatelli.

Why Juventus want to sign Højbjerg in January

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder #05 Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg arrives to attend the English Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park in south London on October 27, 2023. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

According to the report, Marseille’s Pierre-Emile Højbjerg tops Spalletti’s shortlist, but the ex-Spurs midfielder is having a key role under Roberto De Zerbi so it won’t be easy to reach an agreement with the French club.

Gazzetta claims that Højbjerg is seen as an ideal addition to the Juventus squad, being a ‘technical and charismatic leader.’

CREMONA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 01: Coach Luciano Spalletti of Juventus FC reacts before the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Juventus FC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on November 01, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)

The pink paper notes that Spalletti still trust Locatelli, but it is no secret that the Italian midfielder ‘does not embody the ideal regista for the Tuscan tactician.’

More midfileders linked with January Juventus move

PARMA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 08: Adrian Bernabe of Parma crosses the ball whilst under pressure from Pervis Estupinan of AC Milan during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and AC Milan at Stadio Ennio Tardini on November 08, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Tuttosport already mentioned Højbjerg as a January transfer target for Juventus, alongside Parma’s Adrian Bernabé.

Another playmaker reported to be on the Juventus agenda is Elche’s Rodrigo Mendoza, who has a €20m release clause and has also been linked with moves to Manchester City or Real Madrid.

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper, November 19, 2025, page 23.