Report Juventus prefer academy product over new signing amid injury crisis

MILAN, ITALY - APRIL 26: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Juventus will have only three central midfielders available in the coming months, but rather than signing a free agent, they seem eager to rely on their academy player, Augusto Sedorf Owusu.

Juventus are running out of options in central midfield, as two regular starters, Khephren Thuram and Manuel Locatelli, will be out of action for about three months.

Thuram underwent knee surgery last week and will be sidelined at least until January 2027. Following his surgery, the Frenchman was even left out of Juventus’ Serie A squad list.

Locatelli will soon undergo meniscus surgery and remain out of action for a similar period.

Reports suggest Juventus will look to free agents, including ex-Inter star Marcelo Brozovic, who can still be signed despite the summer transfer window closing, but according to TMW, the Bianconeri will instead turn to their academy product, Owusu, 21, who currently plays for Juventus’ U23 squad.

Owusu was already part of the Juventus squad list for Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Milan, but was not involved.

Juventus also signed Pape Matar Sarr from Tottenham on deadline day, but the Senegal international is still recovering from an injury, and Tuttosport confirms Owusu will likely get a chance with Juventus’ first team in the coming matches.