Luciano Spalletti has sent a strong signal regarding Juventus’ plans in the January transfer window. The newly appointed Bianconeri head coach openly admitted that his squad urgently needs reinforcements in attack, a statement that immediately reignited speculation surrounding Federico Chiesa’s potential return to Turin.
According to Spalletti, the primary motivation behind this need is to protect Juventus’ most valuable attacking asset, Kenan Yildiz. The young Turkish star has been carrying a heavy workload due to the lack of a like-for-like alternative, raising concerns about both his physical condition and long-term development.
Spalletti’s comments suggest Juventus are not merely exploring the market opportunistically, but actively searching for a specific attacking profile—one capable of sharing responsibility with the club’s iconic number 10.
Juventus Ready to Act in the January Transfer Window
Juventus appear set for a proactive approach during the winter transfer period. Spalletti confirmed that, after assessing his squad closely, he has identified gaps that need to be addressed as soon as possible.
The Italian tactician explained that the January window is designed precisely for moments like this—to introduce new player profiles that are currently missing from the squad. His focus is clear: adding depth and flexibility in the attacking line.
“As far as I understand, the January transfer window exists to bring in players and profiles that you don’t already have,” Spalletti said during his pre-match press conference on Friday. “Since arriving here, we’ve been studying the market because I’ve been getting to know the characteristics of my players.”
He added that Juventus still have room to grow and that certain tactical solutions remain unavailable due to the current squad composition. These remarks strongly suggest that the club’s sporting department has already begun internal discussions regarding potential targets.
Protecting Kenan Yildiz Becomes a Priority
Spalletti initially appeared reluctant to discuss Kenan Yildiz in too much detail in public. The coach is keenly aware of the pressure placed on young stars at elite clubs like Juventus and wants to shield the 19-year-old from unnecessary scrutiny.
However, the reality is difficult to ignore. Yildiz has become almost indispensable in Juventus’ attacking structure, often playing without rest due to the absence of a suitable rotation option. Spalletti believes this situation is unsustainable over the course of a long season.
“I wanted to leave Yildiz alone because I don’t want to question his role,” Spalletti explained. “For me, he is very strong. He does an extraordinary job, and I want to protect him.”
The former Napoli coach emphasized that top players are often defined by their ability to be irreplaceable, but that does not mean they should be overworked. In his view, squad rotation is no longer optional—it is a necessity.
Fitness Update Ahead of the Cagliari Match
Concerns around Yildiz intensified ahead of Juventus’ upcoming Serie A clash against Cagliari. The young forward missed Thursday’s training session after experiencing a minor health issue, sparking worries among supporters.
Spalletti was quick to reassure fans that the situation is under control. Yildiz has recovered well and returned to full training, although his minutes will be carefully managed during the match.
“He is an important player for us, and we want to protect him,” Spalletti said. “But he has incredible physical capacity and energy. We want him to play as many matches as possible because he gives us so many different solutions.”
The coach also confirmed that Francisco Conceição will not be able to play a full match, making Yildiz’s presence even more valuable. However, Juventus’ staff are prepared to adjust his playing time depending on how the game unfolds.
Federico Chiesa Fits the Profile Juventus Need
The profile described by Spalletti has inevitably led to renewed speculation about Federico Chiesa. The Liverpool winger, who previously enjoyed success with Juventus, appears to match the criteria almost perfectly.
Chiesa and Yildiz share several tactical similarities. Both are capable of operating on the wings, as attacking midfielders, or as second strikers. Their explosive pace, direct dribbling style, and ability to attack space make them interchangeable within Spalletti’s system.
Chiesa’s situation at Liverpool has also fueled the rumors. Over the past 18 months, he has struggled to secure consistent playing time, largely due to fitness issues and tactical competition. A return to Turin could offer him a familiar environment and a clear role.
While Chiesa may not immediately reclaim a guaranteed starting spot due to physical considerations, he would provide exactly what Juventus are lacking: quality rotation. His presence would allow Yildiz to rest without forcing Spalletti to compromise his attacking structure.
A Logical Short-Term Solution for Juventus
From Juventus’ perspective, bringing back Chiesa would represent a pragmatic short-term solution. The club would gain an experienced, versatile attacker who understands the expectations and pressure of wearing the black-and-white shirt.
For Spalletti, the move would align perfectly with his stated objective—protecting his key players while maintaining competitiveness on multiple fronts. Whether Juventus ultimately make a formal approach remains to be seen, but the message from the bench is unmistakable.
Juventus need help in attack, and the January window may provide the answer.
