Juventus make contact with Man City over Reijnders as Kessié stalls: Midfield Reinvention on the Horizon

FolioPitch.com – 01 August 2026 | Juventus make contact with Man City over Reijnders as Kessié stalls, according to reports from Italy. The Bianconeri have opened exploratory talks with both the player’s camp and the Premier League champions, as they weigh alternative options to former Milan midfielder Franck Kessié, whose free-agent move to Turin has hit an impasse.

The Dutch international, who only joined Manchester City from Milan for a fee in the region of €55 million a year ago, has reportedly slipped down the pecking order at the Etihad after a bright but inconsistent start in England. With Pep Guardiola’s squad stacked with midfield talent, Reijnders may be open to a new challenge to secure regular playing time ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Juventus’s interest in Reijnders is part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate a midfield that manager Luciano Spalletti believes needs more energy and technical depth. The club’s sporting director has been in contact with the player’s representatives to gauge his willingness to join, while also sounding out Manchester City about the possibility of a loan deal. No formal bid has been made, but the dialogue is expected to continue in the coming days.

The urgency stems from the stalled negotiations with Kessié. The Ivorian, a free agent since 30 June, had appeared close to agreeing personal terms with Juventus, but he has grown impatient with the lack of progress. His camp has made it clear that a resolution is needed quickly, and with other clubs circling, Juventus cannot afford to wait indefinitely.

Complicating matters further is Juventus’s overcrowded midfield. The squad currently boasts eight players capable of operating in the centre of the park, which means that at least one or two departures will be necessary before any new arrival can be registered. This congestion has slowed down all transfer activity, including the potential move for Reijnders.

Juventus make contact with Man City over Reijnders as Kessié stalls, and the scenario presents an intriguing possibility. Reijnders, who previously shone at Milan, would bring a different profile compared to Kessié. While Kessié offers physicality and box-to-box energy, Reijnders is more of a progressive playmaker, comfortable in possession and capable of breaking lines with his passing. That could offer Spalletti more tactical flexibility, especially in European competitions.

However, any potential deal is far from straightforward. Manchester City are not known for easily loaning out players unless they see a clear benefit, and they may prefer a permanent sale or a loan with an obligation to buy. Juventus, on the other hand, are currently constrained by financial fair play regulations and would likely seek a straightforward loan with an option to buy, spreading the cost over future windows.

Other names remain on the shortlist as well. Leon Goretzka of Bayern Munich and Davide Frattesi of Inter have both been monitored by Juventus scouts. Yet it is Reijnders who represents the most intriguing new name on the Bianconeri’s list, in large part because he is a known quantity in Serie A, having thrived with Milan before his move abroad. That prior experience could make his adaptation to Spalletti’s system faster and less risky.

For Kessié, the situation remains fluid. The former Milan and Barcelona midfielder has not closed the door on Juventus, but he is also considering other offers. His representatives are pushing for a final decision, and Juventus’s pursuit of Reijnders may be interpreted as a signal that they are unwilling to be held hostage by one player’s timeline.

Juventus make contact with Man City over Reijnders as Kessié stalls, and the next few days will be crucial. If the Bianconeri can offload one or two surplus midfielders, they could accelerate talks for Reijnders and perhaps even revive the Kessié negotiation. Alternatively, they may decide to move on completely and focus on the Dutchman as the primary target.

From a tactical standpoint, Reijnders would slot into a midfield trio or even as a more advanced option in a 4-3-3 formation. His ability to carry the ball forward and link with attackers would complement players like Dusan Vlahovic and Federico Chiesa. Defensively, he is not as imposing as Kessié, but his work rate and positional intelligence are underrated.

The coming weeks will likely see more movement on this front. Juventus are determined to strengthen their midfield, but they need to be pragmatic in a market that offers limited bargains. With Kessié stalling and Reijnders potentially available, the club’s next move could define their entire summer transfer window.

At the end of the day, the outcome will depend on several factors: Manchester City’s willingness to negotiate, the player’s desire to return to Serie A, and Juventus’s ability to clear space in their squad. The lines of communication are open, and the interest is genuine. For now, the ball is in the court of all parties involved.