Juventus Pursues Reijnders Amid Kessié Deal Delay
Juventus have opened a new front in their search for a midfielder, sounding out Manchester City over a possible deal for Tijjani Reijnders as frustration grows around the stalled pursuit of Franck Kessié.
According to reports in Italy, the Turin club have made what are being described as exploratory moves on two fronts: first with Reijnders’ entourage, to understand how open the Dutchman would be to joining the Bianconeri project; and then with City, to check the ground for a potential loan.
There is no formal negotiation on the table yet. But the lines are open, and the conversation is not expected to stop here.
Reijnders on Juve’s Radar
The interest in Reijnders underlines Juventus’s determination to reshape a crowded but unconvincing midfield that Luciano Spalletti wants to upgrade with more dynamism and personality.
Reijnders, a Netherlands international and another former Milan player, only arrived at the Etihad a year ago in a deal worth around €55m. He started brightly in England, showing the same blend of energy and technical quality that made him stand out in Serie A, but is now reported to have slipped down the pecking order at Manchester City.
That shift has opened a small window. Juventus are testing how wide it can go. A loan would suit them, especially with the current wage bill and squad size, but City’s willingness to sanction such a move remains unclear.
Kessié Deal Stalls
Reijnders’ name has gained momentum precisely because the Kessié operation is stuck in traffic.
Kessié, a free agent since 30 June after the expiry of his previous deal, has been edging closer to an agreement with Juventus in recent days. The framework of a deal is there, but not signed, and the Ivorian has made it clear he does not intend to wait forever. He wants his future sorted quickly and is keeping his options open while Juventus hesitate.
The delay is not just about money or contract length. It is also about space.
A Midfield Packed to Bursting
Juventus currently have eight midfielders on the books. For any new arrival, one – and possibly more – will have to leave. That reality is slowing everything down.
The club know they cannot keep adding names without trimming the squad, and potential departures have yet to crystallise into firm exits. Until that happens, every incoming move carries a degree of risk.
So Juventus juggle two files: a free-agent target growing impatient and a high-value City midfielder who may or may not be available on loan.
Somewhere between those two profiles lies the shape of the Bianconeri midfield for the coming season.
