Juventus will be in the market for a top-class midfielder this summer, and most Juventini expect the team to prioritize Manuel Locatelli and Houssem Aouar at the top of their list. Aouar and Locatelli are both bright young stars who are establishing themselves as among the elite midfielders in their leagues. Locatelli seems like a particularly attractive option, given his fit and experience in Serie A.
But there are some more underrated options whom Juve should take a close look at, including a new standout midfielder who has surfaced on the rumor mill.
According to a report from La Gazzetta dello Sport’s Adriano Seu, Juventus are showing interest in Sevilla center midfielder Joan Jordan, who is one of the most composed players in Spain and a metronomic passer at the heart of Julen Lopetegui’s successful Champions League contending side.
Per Gazzetta, Jordan has a release clause worth 60 million euros. No team is going to activate that, but the release clause shows you how much Sevilla value him and that they have the leverage when it comes to their crucial midfielder. Juventus would have to pay up, just as they would have to pay up for Locatelli or Aouar.
Joan Jordan is a Juventus target now and is having a fantastic season with Sevilla
Jordan is in the prime of his career at 26, and age should not be an issue here. As a passer, he has all the tools to help Juve greatly. The Bianconeri do not have a single midfielder who can pass the ball progressively and maintain play like Jordan. Arthur Melo is fantastic on the ball, but he cannot create like Jordan.
According to WhoScored.com, the Spanish international has six assists and 1.2 key passes per game this season, and those stats would make him a big-time asset in the Juventus midfield.
The key here will be cost. If Juve can somehow get Jordan for cheap, such as 30 million euros or less, then he could emerge as an alternative if Aouar is too expensive. Juventus, in all likelihood, will only be able to afford one midfielder, but they won’t stop short of trying for two, especially if they can convince Sassuolo or Lyon to take a swap deal.
In that case especially, keep an eye out for Jordan. He could be an intriguing midfield playmaker for Juve. He is not much of a defensive player, which may be an issue, but if Juve cannot sign Locatelli, perhaps Jordan could be the regista.