Juventus midfield shake-up: who stays, who goes? | OneFootball

Juventus are moving towards a significant rebuild of their midfield ahead of the 2025/26 season, with multiple Italian outlets including Tutto Juve, Bianconera News, and Il Giornale outlining the club’s evolving strategy.

Despite other departments also up for discussion, Juventus’ primary focus is reshaping the middle of the park. Manuel Locatelli stands as one of the rare certainties for next season. His consistency and tactical versatility ensure his status as a central figure, whether anchoring the midfield or playing in a more advanced role under Igor Tudor.

The future is much less clear for Weston McKennie. Negotiations over a new contract have hit complications, with the American’s agents reportedly demanding terms that don’t align with the club’s financial policies. McKennie’s contract situation leaves his continued presence at the club in doubt, with decisions expected over the coming weeks.

Douglas Luiz is another possible departee. The Brazilian is gaining attention from several clubs and could be allowed to move if a substantive bid arrives, as Juventus weigh squad needs against budget imperatives.

Juventus’ objective is clear: secure four high-quality central midfielders. The ambition includes retaining Locatelli, potentially keeping McKennie if agreement is reached, and adding further quality with at least one, potentially two, key signings.

Several names populate the club’s list of targets. Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester), Yves Bissouma (Tottenham), Granit Xhaka (Bayer Leverkusen), Ederson (Atalanta), and Sandro Tonali (Newcastle) have all featured in internal discussions. According to Tutto Juve and Il Giornale, Xhaka’s leadership and experience are admired, but Leverkusen appear reluctant to sell after refusing previous interest from Milan. Tonali rates highly, but financial and technical requirements create hurdles, while other candidates present similar challenges related to cost or tactical fit.

Juventus are also determined to repeat the type of smart acquisition embodied by last season’s move for Khephren Thuram: seeking a young, high-upside player ready to contribute at the top level. The model is clear—secure emerging talent capable of growing with the group, rather than focusing solely on established names.

Meanwhile, Kolo Muani’s situation is inching toward resolution. Bianconera News reports increased optimism that the Frenchman will stay, but Juventus prefer renewing his loan with a purchase option set between €40 and €50 million. PSG, however, remain firm on including a mandatory buy clause, a detail still to be settled.

Discussions are ongoing, with the club navigating a complex transfer market and decisions on multiple fronts. The coming days are seen as decisive for clarifying which existing midfielders will depart and which reinforcements will be wearing black and white when the new campaign begins.

(Sources: Tutto Juve, Bianconera News, Il Giornale)

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