Juventus have completed the signing of Italy Under-21 striker Jeff Ekhator from Genoa in a deal worth up to €18 million. The teenager becomes the latest addition to the Turin club’s attacking roster as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.
The Bianconeri will pay a guaranteed fee of €16 million, with performance-related bonuses potentially adding a further €2 million to the final sum. Ekhator is expected to commit to a five-year contract with the Serie A side, securing his immediate future in northern Italy.
Youthful swap with Genoa
The transfer involves a separate arrangement moving in the opposite direction. Juventus Next Gen midfielder David Puzcka will join Genoa for €5 million plus additional bonuses. Although technically distinct transactions, the two deals form part of the broader agreement negotiated between the clubs.
Ekhator arrives in Turin following a breakthrough season with Genoa, during which he found the net three times in Serie A. His development at club level has coincided with regular selection for the Italy U21 national team, marking him as one of the peninsula’s promising attacking talents.
Competition for signature
Juventus faced significant competition to secure the forward’s services. Bologna, Atalanta and Real Betis had all made formal offers for Ekhator earlier in the transfer window, demonstrating the widespread recognition of his potential across European football.
The Turin giants moved decisively to complete the transfer, seeing off domestic rivals and Spanish interest to bring the striker into their squad. The fee reflects both his current ability and his capacity for further growth under the club’s development structure.
Further attacking reinforcements
Ekhator’s arrival forms part of a wider reshaping of Juventus’s forward options. The club are currently engaged in negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain regarding Randal Kolo Muani, who impressed during a loan spell in the second half of last season.
The France international contributed regularly during his temporary stay, and Juventus are working to secure his return to complement their existing attacking resources. The pursuit of Kolo Muani alongside the capture of Ekhator signals the club’s intent to build a versatile strike force for the challenges ahead.