Juventus to Choose Between Brighton Midfielder or Tottenham Star

Bianconeri Pivot to Matt O’Riley and Yves Bissouma After Giving Up on Sandro Tonali and Morten Hjulmand

In Turin, the summer transfer market is starting to feel like a long and winding road — one that keeps veering away from Juventus’ original plans. Their pursuit of a new midfield general has seen them circle around some of the most coveted names in European football. But after conceding defeat in their attempts to land Sandro Tonali and Morten Hjulmand, the Bianconeri now have their sights set on two very different options: Brighton’s Matt O’Riley and Tottenham’s Yves Bissouma.

The choice is not simply about who is more talented — both are accomplished in their own right — but rather about fit, finances, and the ever-complex world of squad registration rules in Serie A.

What Happened?

According to Calciomercato, Juventus’ midfield shortlist has taken a dramatic turn. Sporting CP’s Morten Hjulmand was the top priority for weeks, but the Lisbon club slammed the door shut, refusing to part with their captain for anything less than his full €80 million (£68m/$92m) release clause. That stance hardened after losing Viktor Gyökeres to Chelsea, making any negotiation pointless.

The Turin giants then turned to Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali, fresh off his ban and eager to relaunch his career in Serie A. Juventus even went so far as to propose a swap deal involving striker Dusan Vlahovic, a move that would have been seismic in both England and Italy. Newcastle, however, rejected the proposal outright, confident that Tonali would play a big role in their own plans.

With both those avenues closed, Juventus moved quickly to identify viable alternatives. That’s where Matt O’Riley and Yves Bissouma enter the picture.

Matt O’Riley — The Technical Option

O’Riley’s story is a compelling one. Signed by Brighton from Celtic in 2024 for €30 million (£25m/$35m), the 23-year-old has been a revelation in the Premier League. His game combines elegance on the ball with a tireless work rate, making him equally comfortable dictating play from deep or arriving late in the box to score.

Brighton, true to their reputation as shrewd operators in the market, are open to doing business — but only on their terms. Reports suggest they would consider a loan deal with an obligation to buy, giving Juventus some breathing room in their finances this summer while ensuring the Seagulls secure a long-term return.

For Juve, O’Riley offers a technical skill set that would complement Manuel Locatelli rather than overlap. He’s not the sort to bulldoze through midfield challenges like Hjulmand, but he has the vision and range of passing to make Juventus’ attacks more fluid — something that has been lacking in recent seasons.

Yves Bissouma — The Physical Enforcer

If O’Riley is the scalpel, Bissouma is the sledgehammer. The Tottenham midfielder’s game is built on physical dominance, relentless pressing, and an ability to break up play before launching quick transitions.

The Malian international enjoyed a mixed 2024-25 season in North London, starting strong under Ange Postecoglou before injuries and competition for places affected his rhythm. Yet his ability to control the tempo in midfield battles remains unquestioned, and Juventus know exactly what they would be getting.

There’s one big catch: Bissouma is a non-EU player, and Juventus have just one slot left following the arrival of Canadian striker Jonathan David. Signing him would mean abandoning any pursuit of Nahuel Molina, the Atletico Madrid right-back who has been another long-term target.

Tottenham Hotspur FC v Brighton & Hove Albion FC – Premier League

The Bigger Picture — Why Juventus Need This Deal

Juventus’ midfield has been functional rather than inspiring in recent years. Locatelli has carried much of the creative load, but injuries and inconsistent form from supporting players have left the Bianconeri overly reliant on individual moments rather than sustained control of matches.

Under their current tactical blueprint, they need one of two things:

1. A dynamic ball-winner who can free Locatelli to push forward (Bissouma profile)

2. A composed deep-lying playmaker who can share the creative burden (O’Riley profile)

The decision could ultimately shape how Juventus play this season.

Financial and Strategic Considerations

Money, as always, plays a huge role. O’Riley’s potential loan-with-obligation deal would spread the cost over multiple seasons, aligning with Juventus’ current financial strategy. Bissouma, on the other hand, might require a more straightforward purchase from Spurs — though there’s speculation Tottenham could entertain creative structures, especially if they can reinvest quickly.

Then there’s the registration rule dilemma. Juventus’ non-EU slots are precious, and choosing Bissouma would close one door while opening another. Signing O’Riley avoids that complication entirely.

The Lessons from the Tonali and Hjulmand Failures

Juventus’ inability to close the Tonali and Hjulmand deals is a reminder that the Bianconeri, while still a global brand, must operate more shrewdly than they did in their free-spending past. Release clauses, swap proposals, and market timing all played against them in those pursuits.

It also underlines the importance of having multiple options. By moving quickly towards O’Riley and Bissouma, they’ve at least avoided being left empty-handed in the final weeks of the market.

What’s Next for O’Riley and Juventus?

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Juventus’ first Serie A match is against Parma on August 24 — a fixture they would ideally enter with their midfield reinforced. Negotiations with Brighton could move quickly, especially if the Seagulls feel confident they can replace O’Riley in time.

As for Bissouma, Spurs are in no rush to sell, but the player himself might be tempted by the promise of a starring role in Turin, particularly if he senses his place in London is under threat.

A Defining Decision for the Season Ahead

This is more than just another transfer — it’s a choice that will define Juventus’ style, structure, and perhaps even their success this season. Go with O’Riley, and they lean towards control, possession, and patient build-up. Go with Bissouma, and they embrace power, intensity, and disruption.

Either way, the Bianconeri’s search for their new midfield anchor is entering its decisive phase. And after the disappointments of Tonali and Hjulmand, there’s little margin for error left.