Juventus Targets Brighton Midfielder as Morten Hjulmand Alternative Amid Sporting CP’s Firm Stance
尤文圖斯 is shifting gears in their midfield hunt, eyeing a talented Dane from the 英超聯賽 as negotiations for their top target hit a wall.
- Juventus explores Morten Hjulmand backup options
- Sporting insists on full release clause payment
- Juve aims to sell Douglas Luiz for funds
Sporting CP’s Unyielding Position on Hjulmand Transfer
Following the recent exit of key forward Viktor Gyokeres, 里斯本競技 is digging in its heels to retain their prized assets. The Portuguese club is adamant that any suitor for Danish skipper Morten Hjulmand must activate his €80 million (£68m/$92m) buyout clause fully. This steep demand has put Juventus, the primary pursuer, in a tough spot as the transfer deadline looms. Reports from Gazzetta dello Sport highlight how the Bianconeri are reviving their pursuit of Brighton’s Matt O’Riley, a player they narrowly missed out on previously.
O’Riley’s Journey and Potential Fit for Juventus
Brighton secured the services of the Danish talent in 2024, paying €29.5m (£26m/$34m) to pry him from Celtic, where he shone brightly in the Scottish 英超聯賽. His adaptation to the rigors of English football has been a mixed bag; in 21 appearances, he netted twice and set up three goals. Now, Juventus sees O’Riley as a promising addition to inject vitality into their midfield, particularly after the underwhelming integration of Douglas Luiz. However, Brighton is inclined to retain the 24-year-old for at least one more campaign to let him fully acclimate and demonstrate his worth, potentially increasing his value amid interest from top clubs.
Juventus’ Strategy: Prioritizing Hjulmand While Planning Exits
While Hjulmand remains the top choice for Juventus, meeting his 26-year-old’s clause requires significant financial maneuvering. This hinges on successfully parting ways with Douglas Luiz, whose stint in Turin has been far from successful. The Brazilian has drawn attention from Premier League sides like 諾丁漢森林 和 西漢姆聯, who are keeping tabs on developments. Tensions have escalated due to Luiz’s efforts to push for a transfer, including skipping sessions, making his departure seem all but certain before the window shuts.
Additional Transfer Moves to Fund Ambitions
Beyond Luiz, Juventus is contemplating other sales to balance the books. American forward Timothy Weah is on the verge of a switch to 馬賽, pending final approval from the club. This could pave the way for pursuing targets like Randal Kolo Muani, who has expressed eagerness to rejoin Juventus. As of the latest updates in 2024, such transactions are crucial for financial compliance under UEFA regulations, with clubs like Juventus averaging around €50-70 million in net spending during recent windows to maintain squad depth.
Pre-Season Focus and Upcoming Challenges
Amid these transfer sagas, Igor Tudor’s Juventus squad is gearing up for action, with a key pre-season clash against 多特蒙德 scheduled for August 10. This fixture offers a chance to test new tactics and integrate potential signings, setting the tone for what promises to be a competitive 意甲 活動。
