Juventus considers signing free agent to solve midfield emergency

Juventus are considering making a move for Marcelo Brozovic after losing Manuel Locatelli to injury for the rest of 2026, leaving the Bianconeri in need of cover in midfield.

Locatelli joins Khephren Thuram among the midfielders who will probably not play for the club until 2027 after both underwent surgery. Juve have also dealt with minor injuries to players such as Weston McKennie, further reducing their options in the position.

The Bianconeri are now just one major midfield injury away from a full-blown crisis, while the men at the Allianz Stadium cannot sign players under contract until the January transfer window opens.

Juventus explore free agent options

This leaves Juve with limited options, but they can still make a move for free agents. That is what the Bianconeri are now trying to do, with Tuttomercatoweb claiming they are interested in Brozovic.

Brozovic is currently a free agent after his contract at Al Nassr was not renewed, while the former Inter Milan man wants to return to European football. The midfielder could represent an appealing option for Juventus given his experience and availability.

Another factor that could help Juve is Brozovic’s previous relationship with Luciano Spalletti. The Bianconeri manager knows the midfielder very well, meaning he could be open to a reunion with the experienced player.

(Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)

Brozovic could provide experience

The midfielder has extensive experience in Italian football, which could make his adaptation to Juventus relatively straightforward if he can prove his fitness and prepare for competitive action quickly.

Juve need solutions in midfield after losing Locatelli and Thuram for extended periods, while McKennie’s recent injury has also highlighted the lack of depth available to Spalletti.

Brozovic could therefore give the Bianconeri an experienced option at a time when their midfield is becoming increasingly stretched. His free agent status also gives Juventus an opportunity to strengthen before the January transfer window.

For Spalletti, the priority will be ensuring his midfield remains capable of handling the demands of the season. If Brozovic can regain his fitness quickly, he could become a useful solution to the problems currently facing the Bianconeri.