Juventus’ long-running search for a decisive centre-forward has resurfaced following renewed criticism from former winger Massimo Mauro, Soccernet.ng reports.
Mauro is convinced that his former club’s attacking struggles would be solved by a player of Victor Osimhen’s calibre.
Despite remaining firmly in the hunt for Champions League qualification, Juventus’ lack of cutting edge has become increasingly difficult to ignore.
After 15 league games, the Turin club sit fifth on 26 points, seven behind leaders Inter Milan, having scored just 19 goals. Only eight of those have come from open play, with the rest made up of penalties and set pieces.
Mauro, who won multiple trophies during his time at Juventus, insists the numbers reflect a deeper issue: the absence of a striker capable of carrying the team through difficult moments. In his view, Osimhen represents exactly the type of forward Juventus are missing.
“They need a Napoli-style Osimhen, a driving force who could carry the attack on his own and whom Luciano Spalletti turned into a true leader. Juve are full of solid, above-average players, but they need someone who makes a difference,” he said as per Football-Italia.
Osimhen had been on Juventus’ radar during the summer transfer window, but Napoli refused to sell to their domestic rivals. When the Italian champions eventually agreed to his departure, they sanctioned a record-breaking move to Galatasaray instead. The deal included a specific clause preventing Osimhen from joining Juventus for the next two years, meaning the earliest possible return to Turin would be the summer of 2027.
Unable to pursue the Nigerian striker, Juventus turned to alternative solutions, signing Jonathan David on a free transfer from Lille and securing Loïs Openda on loan from RB Leipzig. However, neither move has significantly lifted the team’s attacking output, particularly with Dusan Vlahovic sidelined through injury.
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Osimhen flourishes abroad as Madrid links emerge
While Juventus continue to search for answers, Osimhen’s reputation across Europe has only grown stronger.
Now at Galatasaray, the Nigeria international is enjoying a prolific spell, scoring his 12th goal of the season in a 4-1 away victory over Antalyaspor at the weekend. Six of those goals have come in just four Champions League matches, as his impact on the continental stage grows unabated.
Osimhen remains fondly remembered in Italy as the forward who powered Napoli to their first Scudetto in 33 years in 2023. That season, he finished as Serie A’s top scorer, becoming the first African player to win the award.
The connection to Juventus has been further fuelled by the appointment of Luciano Spalletti, the coach who guided Napoli to that historic title and is now in charge in Turin, with a contract running until June 2026.
Mauro believes the contrast between Juventus’ current attack and Osimhen’s influence elsewhere is stark, and he warned against over-reliance on emerging talents.
“I would invest in attack where the situation is incredible. If Yildiz plays badly, it’s a tragedy. If he plays well, there’s a chance to create something dangerous, but Yildiz is not a 20-goal striker, unless he becomes Del Piero or plays as a central forward or support striker. Out wide, at best, he can become like Kvaratskhelia.”
Juventus did claim a narrow but important 1-0 victory over Bologna on Sunday, moving to within one point of fourth-placed Roma, who have a game in hand and will host Como later this evening. The two sides meet next week at the Allianz Stadium, though Mauro remains unconvinced that Juventus will emerge as favourites.
With a return to Italy blocked for now, Osimhen’s future appears more likely to be decided elsewhere. Real Madrid are reportedly monitoring the striker, with suggestions the Spanish giants would make a move should Vinicius Junior decide to leave the Santiago Bernabeu.
Former Nigeria international and Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh has claimed he was told by insiders that Osimhen could join Madrid as early as next summer. The striker himself, however, has continued to stress his affection for Galatasaray, insisting he remains fully committed to life in Istanbul.
