Juventus look to Saudi Arabia stars to fix midfield problems

Juventus failed to sign a midfielder during the summer transfer window and now plan to strengthen the squad in January. The midfield has struggled so far this season, forcing the club to consider new options.

Juventus are eyeing players from the Saudi Pro League, including two familiar names: Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (Al-Hilal) and Franck Kessié (Al-Ahli).

Coach Igor Tudor has used Teun Koopmeiners in his original position, but the results have been mixed. Khephren Thuram has been inconsistent, while Weston McKennie is playing less than before, possibly due to his contract situation.

Franck Kessié, midfielder of Al-Ahli scores a header from corner kick against Al-Qadsiah during the Saudi Super Cup semi final.

Juventus also tried for Sandro Tonali and Marten Hjulmand, but neither deal went through. In the end, they trusted the players already in the squad and gave more minutes to youngster Vasilije Adzic.

Both Kessié and Milinkovic-Savic are in the final months of their contracts in Saudi Arabia. Unless they renew, they could return to Europe on a free transfer, which would be easier for Juventus than buying them midseason.

Franck Kessie of Al-Ahli Saudi celebrates after scoring a goal that was later ruled off for offside during the Saudi Pro League.

Juventus have enough depth to survive with Koopmeiners and Adzic, but what they really need is a top-class midfielder. Bringing back stars like Milinkovic-Savic or Kessié in January would be difficult and expensive. The club may regret not investing in midfield during the summer instead of adding another striker.