From Mateta to Kolo Muani: Juventus’ failed attempts to sign a new striker in January
Juventus held talks with several strikers during the winter transfer window, but eventually failed to sign a new centre-forward for Luciano Spalletti. From Jean-Philippe Mateta to Randal Kolo Muani, here’s why the Bianconeri failed to sign a new No.9 last month.
Just a few days ago, following a 3-0 win over Napoli in Serie A, Spalletti openly admitted his Juventus side needed a new centre-forward with different skill sets from Jonathan David and Lois Openda.
David has become increasingly reliable for the Serie A giants, scoring four goals and providing two assists in the opening six Serie A games of 2026. Yet, Spalletti was looking for a new centre-forward who would hold the ball up front and create space for wingers and attacking midfielders.
Who did Juventus sign in the January transfer window?
The Juventus boss praised Napoli centre-forward Rasmus Hojlund after the Bianconeri’s win over the Partenopei at the end of January, suggesting his team needed a striker with similar characteristics.
Juventus tried to match their coach’s demands, but eventually ended up signing winger Jeremie Boga and right-back Emil Holm, not a new centre-forward.
Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta was Juventus’ first target in the January transfer window, but the Bianconeri failed to reach an agreement over the transfer package with the Premier League side.
Juventus tried to sign Mateta on loan with an option to buy that could become mandatory under certain conditions.
Why Juventus didn’t sign a new centre-forward in January
Palace, however, were looking for a permanent transfer, which they eventually secured with Milan. Yet the Rossoneri ultimately decided against signing the 28-year-old following unsuccessful medical tests, which highlighted a knee problem.
Fenerbahce’s Youssef En-Nesyri was Juventus’ second target last month, but while the Bianconeri had reached an agreement with the Turkish club, they failed to convince the Morocco international, who was not open to leaving his club on a temporary transfer.
Talks with Galatasaray for Mauro Icardi were never at an advanced stage, while Kolo Muani was the last striker in talks with the Bianconeri.
Juventus were interested in bringing him back to Turin six months after his return to PSG. Currently on loan at Tottenham, Spurs decided against cutting the striker’s loan spell short, ending Juventus’ hopes of signing a new centre-forward for the second part of the campaign.
David and Openda are currently the only central strikers available for the Old Lady, but the injured Dusan Vlahovic is expected to return to action in a month before leaving the Allianz Stadium at the end of his contract in June.