Juventus have lined up Nigeria international Raphael Onyedika as a replacement for Douglas Luiz, as the Italian side prepare for major midfield changes ahead of the 2024/25 season, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Luiz is close to an exit from Turin after just one season, and Juventus are working behind the scenes to secure a more cost-effective and long-term solution in the middle of the park per reports in Italy.
The Brazilian midfielder joined the Bianconeri in a $60n move from Aston Villa last summer but failed to live up to expectations, making only 19 appearances and starting just three matches. Under new manager Igor Tudor, he played only 37 minutes in the club’s final nine league fixtures.
With Manuel Locatelli now the preferred option in the holding role, Juventus are ready to listen to offers for Luiz. Italian and English media reports confirm the club are willing to sanction his departure if a suitable bid arrives. Despite his contract running until 2029, Juventus have reportedly set a price tag of around $40m.
According to FootItalia, Everton have shown initial interest in Luiz, while Juventus are already advancing plans to find a replacement. Onyedika, who plays for Belgian side Club Brugge, has emerged as one of their primary targets.
The report confirmed that Juventus sent scouts to monitor the Nigerian midfielder, stating, “Juventus sent scouts to watch Club Brugge gem Raphael Onyedika, with the pretext that they may be forced to find a replacement for Luiz.”
Onyedika, 24, has been a regular starter since he arrived in Belgium and has earned attention from clubs across Europe, including AC Milan and Atalanta.
Juventus, however, believe they hold an edge due to their working relationship with his agents, CAA Stellar, who also represent Arkadiusz Milik and new signing Pierre Kalulu.
Everton were previously linked with Onyedika earlier in the window but are now prioritising a move for Luiz, which opens the door for Juventus to firm up their interest in the Nigerian. Onyedika, who has one year left on his current deal, is reportedly available for around $35m.
Brugge are reluctant to lose the midfielder for free next summer and are open to selling now, with reports in Belgium suggesting the player is ready to step up to a bigger club.
FootItalia added that the Nigeria international, who has been a mainstay in Brugge’s first team since making the switch three years ago, is “keen to test himself at an elite club.”
Juventus are expected to intensify discussions with Club Brugge in the coming days, as Luiz’s departure draws nearer. With the Turin club working under strict financial parameters, a deal for Onyedika could offer both immediate quality and long-term value in their midfield rebuild.
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