Kalvin Phillips & five midfielders who could join Juventus in January

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 12 Nov 2023 18:17 GMT
• 3 min read

Juventus will certainly sign a central midfielder during the January transfer window.

The Bianconeri are decimated in the middle of the park having lost both Paul Pogba (doping) and Nicolo Fagioli (illegal betting) to suspension for the rest of the season.

Here are five central midfielders Juventus are considering for January.

READ MORE: Premier League January transfers 2024: All the Done Deals

Kalvin Phillips (Man City)

Kalvin Phillips is the current favourite to join Juventus in January in a loan deal.

Phillips is surplus to requirements at City and wants to leave in January to ensure regular playing time for Euro 2024.

Juventus directors Cristiano Giuntoli and Giovanni Manna met Phillips’ agency Stellar Group in London this week to discuss a six-month loan deal.

Lazar Samardzic (Udinese)

Lazar Samardzic is perhaps the most talented young midfielder in Serie A and is the player Juventus fans want their club to sign.

Juve have been long-term admirers of the Serbia international, who possesses a beautiful left foot, creativity and dribbling skills.

Juventus would be prepared to propose a loan with obligation to buy. However, Udinese have publicly stated they don’t want to sell until next summer.

Pierre Hojbjerg (Tottenham)

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has been on Juventus’ shortlist for several months now.

However, a deal won’t be easy for a number of reasons. First of all, Spurs are asking for €30m, which Juve regard as way too high.

Secondly, Hojbjerg is more defensive and Juve would prefer a more creative central midfielder. And thirdly, Tottenham have a long injury list and not much depth in their squad so would need a replacement before letting him go.

Thomas Partey (Arsenal)

Thomas Partey is Max Allegri’s favoured option.

Allegri was keen to sign Partey in both the summers of 2022 and 2023 but a deal wasn’t possible for various reasons.

And a deal is very unlikely in January, also. Partey’s costs are too high in transfer fee and salary.

The player is increasingly injury prone and will be away for a month at the Africa Cup of Nations from January. It’s a move that makes little sense.

Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid)

Rodrigo De Paul is another long-time target of Juventus, who initially wanted to sign him when he left Udinese for Atletico Madrid.

De Paul could potentially be available at the right price in January but that price will be too high for Juventus.

Atletico rate De Paul at €30m, which Juve can’t afford. For a 29-year-old it would not be a smart investment.