How Has Juventus' Recruitment Fallen So Far?

There was a time not long ago when Juventus stood as Europe’s model of intelligent recruitment. From the free signing of Andrea Pirlo to the savvy acquisition of Paul Pogba, the club’s ability to balance short-term success with long-term planning was unrivalled. But fast forward to 2025, and the question is no longer whether Juve are contenders, but how they’ve allowed themselves to drift so far from the top table.

This isn't just about trophies. It’s about an identity that’s been blurred, a recruitment policy that’s grown stale, and a squad that—despite significant investment—feels painfully undercooked.

Paul Pogba to Juventus, confirmed and here we go! Full agreement now completed on a free transfer. Deal to be signed at the beginning of July, it’s done and sealed. 🚨⚪️⚫️ #Juve

Pogba will be in Italy in two weeks. Juve sold him for €100m six years ago - now he’s back for free. pic.twitter.com/YNyyOlmSUE

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 23, 2022

From Market Kings to Market Misfires

Once known for exploiting the transfer market with ruthless efficiency, Juventus became specialists in turning undervalued assets into world-beaters. Pirlo, Pogba, Dani Alves, and Sami Khedira—all signed for free, all key figures in title-winning teams.

But in recent years, that same market strategy has leaned more towards desperation than domination. The return of Pogba, riddled with injuries and off-field issues, encapsulates the nostalgia-driven errors now plaguing Juve’s recruitment. Ángel Di María and Aaron Ramsey—big names but physically past their prime—are further examples of players brought in with more hope than planning.

Short-term solutions has replaced the surgical precision of the Beppe Marotta era. And with it, the squad has lost cohesion.

OFFICIAL | @aaronramsey joins @RangersFC on loan. All the best, Aaron!

— JuventusFC 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@juventusfcen) January 31, 2022

The Post-Marotta Hangover

When Marotta left for Inter in 2018, he took Juventus’ recruitment soul with him. His successor, Fabio Paratici, leaned heavily into star-driven signings, gambling on names rather than building a system. Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival in 2018 was historic, but it also warped the club’s finances and tactical direction.

Ronaldo brought goals, but his presence forced Juve into short-term planning to win the Champions League immediately—something they failed to do. In the process, talent like João Cancelo and Moise Kean were sold to balance the books. The team became a patchwork of ageing stars and undercooked prospects.

Fabio Paratici awarded Best Director of the Year at @FootballLeader 2019 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/o3Rty6lbU8

— JuventusFC 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@juventusfcen) June 4, 2019

Youth Strategy: Too Little, Too Late?

To their credit, Juventus have shifted course in recent seasons. The likes of Nicolò Fagioli, Fabio Miretti, and Matías Soulé suggest a desire to build through youth. But that movement came reactive, not proactive. Forced by financial constraints and FFP pressures, Juve now promote youth not because it was part of a grand strategy, but because they ran out of other options.

Compare that to Atalanta or even Inter—sides with clear developmental paths for young players—and Juventus’ plan feels hastily assembled.

Even smart signings like Gleison Bremer or Manuel Locatelli have been made in isolation rather than as part of a wider project. Juventus buy to plug holes, not to build a team identity. There’s no stylistic consistency in their midfield or attack; they have physicality without control, energy without creativity.

Coaching Chaos and Tactical Confusion

No analysis of recruitment can be complete without addressing the carousel of managers. Since Massimiliano Allegri’s first departure in 2019, Juventus have had three head coaches in four years: Maurizio Sarri, Andrea Pirlo, and the returning Allegri himself.

Each manager brought a different tactical ideology, but the squad was rarely built to fit. Sarri’s possession ideals clashed with a team designed for counters. Pirlo’s inexperience was exposed by a squad that couldn’t implement his hybrid ideas. Allegri’s return has provided defensive solidity, but at the cost of any attacking clarity.

The result? A recruitment plan without alignment. Players are bought for systems that change annually. Federico Chiesa was asked to be both a traditional winger and a secondary striker. Dušan Vlahović is starved of service in a team that rarely plays to his strengths. There’s no continuity, and that’s recruitment’s greatest enemy.

🚨🇷🇸 The plan remains for Dusan Vlahović to part ways with Juventus this summer.

No negotiations to extend his contract at the club currently expiring in June 2026, and his departure remains the most likely outcome. pic.twitter.com/ik8IxdQPZR

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 19, 2025

Financial Woes and Legal Drama

Juventus’ fall hasn’t happened in a vacuum. The club’s recent financial investigations and the fallout from capital gains controversies have drained leadership focus and public trust. The boardroom has been under more scrutiny than the scouting department, and the knock-on effect is obvious.

Budget cuts, reputational damage, and the inability to compete with Premier League riches have forced Juventus to operate cautiously—perhaps too cautiously. Where once they led the market, now they follow it.

What Next?

Sporting Director Cristiano Giuntoli, poached from Napoli in 2023, was heralded as the man to clean up Juve’s mess. At Napoli, he built a title-winning team on a fraction of Juve’s budget. But even he needs time—and support—to restore Juventus’ recruitment spine.

The club’s recent signings of younger, more dynamic profiles like Teun Koopmeiners suggest a potential return to intelligent, system-first buying. But fans have heard that before. Real trust will come when Juventus recruit not just with talent in mind, but with purpose.

Because recruitment isn't just about who you sign. It’s about why you sign them—and for Juventus, that “why” has been missing for far too long.

⚪️⚫️ Juventus increasingly confident on Teun Koopmeiners deal as talks between clubs will follow soon.

The contract is ready and Juve opening bid will be sent in the next days.

Koopmeiners wants Juventus, not waiting for other clubs now. pic.twitter.com/eMqhSaUrtq

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 4, 2024