Spalletti: ‘Alajbegovic and Kolo Muani bring enthusiasm to Juventus’

Spalletti: ‘Alajbegovic and Kolo Muani bring enthusiasm to Juventus’ Luciano Spalletti reveals why Juventus were so eager to have Randal Kolo Muani back from PSG, and that Kerim Alajbegovic arrives ‘with enthusiasm’ after turning down Chelsea. The Bianconeri are set to face Chelsea in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday, which might be an awkward situation considering Alajbegovic had been on the verge of joining them just days before completing his transfer to Turin. The big difference was that while the Bosnia and Herzegovina talent would fight for any playing time in London, Juve could promise a bigger role from the start. Spalletti sees improving Juventus PISA, ITALY – DECEMBER 27: Head coach Luciano Spalletti manager of Juventus FC looks on during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and Juventus FC at Arena Garibaldi on December 27, 2025 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images) “He is a young and interesting player, one who the director had already followed last season and was very eager to get,” confessed Spalletti in a press conference. Frederic Massara just arrived at Juventus this summer, but had until a few weeks ago been the director of sport at Roma. Alajbegovic signs for Juventus Along with Alajbegovic, Juve also secured Kolo Muani, who has been trying to get back to Turin ever since his initial loan spell in January 2025. “Having players who arrive with enthusiasm is always an advantage,” added Spalletti. “We know them and were tracking them, now the squad is stronger on paper and we need to find the right balance, but I am satisfied with the work done by the club.” PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JUNE 22: Randal Kolo Muani #20 of Juventus FC looks on during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group G match between Juventus FC and Wydad AC at Lincoln Financial Field on June 22, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images) While the coach is relatively new, Kolo Muani already knows many of his current teammates from that first stint. “Everyone in the dressing room told me he was an exceptional young man, while we all know what we can do as a player on the field.” It has been a busy time for Juventus on the transfer market, but it’s not over yet, as they are still seeking another striker, a defender, and a goalkeeper. “I have full faith in the directors. They know that there are a couple of situations we still need to complete, which is why they stayed behind to make the most of any transfer opportunities,” added Spalletti. The arrival of Alajbegovic also raised questions on the fitness levels of Kenan Yildiz, who ended last season with a recurring knee problem that badly affected his World Cup performances for Turkiye too. “We’ll evaluate and see if he can play a few minutes against Chelsea, but his recovery is pretty much what we expected.”