Juventus is reigniting its efforts to secure Sandro Tonali as the club navigates the aftermath of its disappointing exit from the UEFA Champions League. The elimination, following their defeat to PSV Eindhoven, has added urgency to the club’s plans for the upcoming summer transfer window.
Despite the setback, Juventus remains positive about their season target of securing the fourth place which is pivotal not only for their standing but also for the financial health of the club. Qualifying for the Champions League next season is more than just prestigious; it’s financially necessary to support the overall project being developed under coach Thiago Motta.
Currently, Juventus is considering various strategies to strengthen its squad. One of the top targets on their evaluation list is Tonali, the Italian international midfielder who has reportedly shown willingness to return to Serie A after his stint with Newcastle. A potential swap deal involving Douglas Luiz, who has yet to impress since joining Juventus, is being discussed. Juventus is seeking to leverage this swap as part of their attempt to secure Tonali, who previously played for AC Milan and is seen as the ideal addition to bolster their midfield.
Gianni Balzarini, a journalist based at TuttoJuve, reported on his channel about the Juventus-Newcastle negotiations, highlighting the precedent set by Tonali’s desire to return to Italy. “If Juventus qualifies for the Champions, the discussions have already started with Tonali,” Balzarini noted, emphasizing the player’s professional mindset, stating, “Although he is originally from Milan, he is open to joining Juventus.”
The potential transfer revolves around structuring it as a loan deal, which would later involve him being signed permanently for around €35 million by June 2026, based on value prognostics. This structure showcases Juventus’ attempt to balance their financial books, particularly after their significant investment for Douglas Luiz whose time at the club has not panned out as hoped.
Notably, Juventus aims to move quickly, as their future moves are entwined with the prospect of Champions League participation. Without it, the club will likely need to make some tough choices about its squad. There are already whispers of possible exits for several players if the team fails to secure the coveted spot.
Among those who could be on the chopping block is Kenan Yildiz, whose talents are regarded highly, but the financial necessity may force the club to cash-in on him. Further, Dusan Vlahovic’s future is anything but secure; the star forward has struggled to find consistent form under Motta's guidance and is also expected to attract interest should the club need to operate within tighter financial constraints.
Alongside these primary targets and potential movements, Juventus continues to eye other offensive options to underpin their project. While they are advancing with discussions for maintaining Randal Kolo Muani on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, players such as Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund and Jonathan David from Lille are also considered as key enhancements.
Juventus’s commitment to returning to the top echelons of European football will hinge on their performance through the remaining fixtures this season. The urgency to secure Champions League football cannot be overstated, as the loss of such opportunities could lead to operational disruptions across all areas of the club, including player acquisitions and contract renewals.
With Tonali now firmly under scrutiny, the looming question remains: can Juventus execute this swap to secure their long-term goals? The next few months will be pivotal, not just for the players involved but for the direction Juventus intends to take on the broader football stage.