- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Juventus Didn't Scramble for a New Center-Forward Late
The club took their pursuit of a physical no.9 down to the wire but didn't land any major targets.
Feb. 3, 2026 at 5:31am
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Juventus was linked to several center-forward targets in the final days of the January transfer window, including Randal Kolo Muani and Jean-Philippe Mateta, but ultimately did not make any major signings at the position. The club will have to settle for depth pieces like Emil Holm and Jeremie Boga, and may experiment with playing Weston McKennie as a striker. Juventus did field calls about Mauro Icardi and Alexander Sorloth but were not particularly active on deadline day.
Why it matters
Juventus has been searching for a physical, target-man style center-forward to complement their existing attacking options. The failure to land a marquee striker could impact their tactics and lineup decisions going forward, as they look to get the most out of their current roster.
The details
Juventus was most strongly linked to Randal Kolo Muani, but a deal could not be reached with Tottenham to recall him from his loan. The club also pursued Jean-Philippe Mateta, but Crystal Palace were unwilling to let him go on anything other than a permanent transfer. Juventus did field calls about Mauro Icardi and Alexander Sorloth but ultimately did not make a move for either player.
- Juventus pursued a new center-forward throughout the January transfer window.
- The club was most active in their pursuit in the final days leading up to the January 31st deadline.
The players
Randal Kolo Muani
A French striker currently on loan from Eintracht Frankfurt to Tottenham Hotspur, who Juventus reportedly tried to acquire.
Jean-Philippe Mateta
A French striker currently playing for Crystal Palace, who Juventus reportedly pursued but could not reach a deal with the London club.
Mauro Icardi
An Argentine striker who previously played under Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti, and who Juventus reportedly received calls about.
Alexander Sorloth
A Norwegian striker who Juventus reportedly received calls about but did not ultimately sign.
Weston McKennie
An American midfielder for Juventus who the club may experiment with playing as a striker.
What they’re saying
“Luciano Spalletti asked for a precise addition in the role but will have to settle for a couple of depth pieces, Emil Holm and Jeremie Boga.”
— La Gazzetta dello Sport
What’s next
Juventus will have to rely on their existing attacking options, including Dusan Vlahovic who is expected to return from injury in March. If Vlahovic can regain his form, the club may revisit contract extension talks with the Serbian striker.
The takeaway
Juventus' failure to land a marquee center-forward in January highlights the club's financial constraints and the challenges they face in strengthening their squad. However, the club appears committed to developing their existing talent, including Weston McKennie, and will hope that Dusan Vlahovic can provide the scoring punch they need up front when he returns from injury.
