Juventus has reached an agreement with Genoa to sign 19-year-old forward Jeff Ekhator on a permanent transfer. The deal involves a total package centered on the young striker’s move to Turin, while Juventus Next Gen player David Puzcka will head to Genoa as part of the transaction.
The Financial Structure of the Deal
Juventus is securing Ekhator’s services on a five-year contract, with the striker expected to earn approximately €1.3m per season. While the transfer is technically structured as two separate operations, the movement of David Puzcka to the Grifone is valued at €5m, inclusive of bonuses. According to reports from Italian media, the agreement also includes a 10% sell-on clause for the Next Gen talent, with some outlets suggesting the deal may feature a buy-back option in favor of Juventus.
Why Genoa Sold Ekhator
Genoa’s decision to move the Italy U21 international followed significant interest from multiple clubs throughout the summer. Bologna, Atalanta, and Spanish side Real Betis all submitted proposals for the teenager early in the transfer window. However, none of these clubs met Genoa’s €15m valuation for the player, who recorded three Serie A goals during the previous campaign. Juventus reportedly acted with urgency, offering a package that exceeded the initial asking price to finalize the transfer ahead of other competitors.
Juventus’ Next Steps in the Transfer Market
With the Ekhator deal nearing completion, Juventus is shifting focus to its negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain regarding Randal Kolo Muani. The Bianconeri are pursuing a return for the forward, who spent the latter half of the 2024-25 season on loan in Serie A. During that 16-match stint, Kolo Muani maintained a high scoring rate, netting a goal every other game. Sources indicate that the two clubs are currently discussing a loan structure that includes an obligation to buy, with a total fee estimated in the region of €30m-€40m.
Summary of Key Transfer Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Incoming Player | Jeff Ekhator |
| Outgoing Player | David Puzcka |
| Ekhator Contract | 5 years at €1.3m per season |
| Puzcka Fee | €5m plus bonuses and 10% sell-on |
| Status | Deal closed; pending formal announcement |
The acquisition of Ekhator aligns with Juventus’ strategy to integrate young, high-potential talent into the squad, balancing these additions with experienced targets like Kolo Muani to bolster the attacking rotation for the upcoming season.
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