Juventus Target Kayode and Romano in Push for Stronger Italian Core

Juventus are shaping a recruitment plan centred on restoring a stronger Italian presence in the first-team squad, with Brentford defender Michael Kayode and Cagliari midfielder Alessandro Romano identified as leading young targets.

An Italian core becomes the recruitment priority

Giovanni Carnevali set out the club’s direction at the Trento Sports Festival, stressing that Juventus want more domestic players capable of carrying the side’s identity over the long term. The policy is intended to combine development at the Vinovo academy with selective moves for young professionals already established at senior level.

Carnevali said Juventus need high-level Italian footballers, while accepting that the market for such players is increasingly difficult. His objective is not simply to increase the number of Italians in the group, but to add youngsters with the quality and potential required by the club.

Frederic Massara is working with Carnevali on the search, with the pair aiming to settle the club’s priority list before the next transfer windows.

Kayode presents a difficult Premier League negotiation

Kayode has emerged as a principal defensive option. The full-back came through Juventus’ youth system before progressing at Fiorentina and joining Brentford in January 2025.

A return to Turin would mean negotiating with a Premier League club, a factor expected to complicate any potential deal because of the defender’s growing value. Juventus nevertheless remain interested in bringing the former academy player back to Continassa.

Romano is viewed as a future midfield reference point

In midfield, Juventus are following 20-year-old Cagliari player Alessandro Romano, who is also being monitored by Inter. Romano’s first appearance for Italy has intensified attention from leading Serie A sides.

Massara has first-hand knowledge of Romano from their time at Roma. He also helped arrange the midfielder’s development loan to La Spezia last January. Juventus see Romano as a player who could become a central figure in their future midfield.

Transfer sequence

1. Juventus establish a plan to increase the Italian component of their squad.
2. Kayode is prioritised as a defensive target despite the financial challenge of dealing with Brentford.
3. Romano’s Italy debut raises his profile as Juventus and Inter track the Cagliari midfielder.
4. Massara and Carnevali continue assessments before finalising targets for forthcoming windows.

Further scouting remains active

Juventus are also keeping watch on Frosinone pair Lorenzo Palmisani and Antonio Raimondo. Their inclusion underlines a broader approach focused on identifying Italian players early rather than relying only on immediate first-team purchases.

Key takeaways

• Juventus want recruitment to reinforce the club’s Italian identity.
• Michael Kayode is a major defensive candidate, but Brentford’s position could make a deal expensive.
• Alessandro Romano is being considered for a long-term midfield role after attracting wider interest following his Italy debut.
• Vinovo development will be paired with targeted signings of young Italian professionals.
• Palmisani and Raimondo remain among the additional players under consideration.