Ottolini on Juventus targets, new contracts and failure to secure a striker | OneFootball

New Juventus director Marco Ottolini confirms they ‘had tried’ to sign a striker in January, but are ‘proceeding with meetings’ for Luciano Spalletti and Weston McKennie contracts.

The Bianconeri did surprisingly little in the January transfer window, as although there were advanced negotiations with several forwards, including Randal Kolo Muani at Tottenham Hotspur via Paris Saint-Germain and Youssef En-Nesyri at Besiktas, nobody arrived.

Ottolini outlines Juventus strategy

PARMA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 01: Weston McKennie of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and Juventus FC at Stadio Ennio Tardini on February 01, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“We had certain parameters that we had to stay within, so if there had been the right conditions, we would’ve done a deal,” director of sport Ottolini told Sport Mediaset.

“That was not the case for various reasons, but we are happy with the players we have, and we have faith in them.”

Last week was a celebratory one for Juventus, who locked talent Kenan Yildiz down to a new and improved contract.

PISA, ITALY – DECEMBER 27: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus FC reacts during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and Juventus FC at Arena Garibaldi on December 27, 2025 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Now the focus can turn to others who are running down their current deals, including the coach and prolific midfielder McKennie.

“Now that the transfer window is closed, we can look at those issues of contract renewals, and that is what we are doing,” assured Ottolini.

“We are very happy with the Yildiz deal, with regards to McKennie we are proceeding with meetings, while we are very happy with the coach and will sit down with him over the next few weeks.”

BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 05: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the Coppa Italia Quarter-Final match between Atalanta BC and Juventus FC at the New Balance Arena on February 05, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Juventus are up against Inter in the fiery Derby d’Italia on Saturday, trying to take down the runaway Serie A leaders, but Roma caught them in fourth place after a 2-2 draw with Lazio.

“At times results come, at others they don’t, but we are extremely happy with the way the team is performing, and we must keep going with conviction.”

After that, Juventus will also be gearing up for the Champions League play-off against Galatasaray.

“The extremely important objective for us is a top four finish, then we’ll concentrate on Istanbul, and hope to go through to the next round,” concluded Ottolini.