Exploring Juventus' Midfield Options: Hjulmand And Bissouma In The Spotlight.

The winds of change are sweeping through Turin. With Igor Tudor now firmly at the helm as Juventus' permanent head coach, the Bianconeri are undergoing a significant tactical and personnel overhaul. A critical area of focus for Tudor, known for his high-intensity, vertical approach, is the midfield. Reports suggest a clear intent to reinforce this crucial sector, with Sporting CP's Morten Hjulmand and Tottenham Hotspur's Yves Bissouma emerging as the primary targets.

Juventus finished a somewhat underwhelming fourth in Serie A last season, albeit securing Champions League football. While Tudor, who initially took over as caretaker in March 2025 following Thiago Motta's dismissal, steadied the ship, the underlying issues of a sometimes-stagnant midfield and a lack of consistent control were evident. Now, with a full pre-season and transfer window to implement his vision, Tudor is looking to build a midfield engine room that embodies his philosophy: dynamism, aggression, and tactical intelligence.

This article will delve into what Hjulmand and Bissouma bring to the table, how they fit into Tudor's evolving tactical schema, and what their potential arrivals mean for the current crop of Juventus midfielders.

Igor Tudor's Tactical Blueprint: A Midfield Imperative

Igor Tudor's coaching philosophy, heavily influenced by his time under Antonio Conte, is rooted in a back-three system, most commonly a 3-4-2-1 or 3-5-2. This formation demands specific qualities from its central midfielders. Unlike some possession-heavy systems, Tudor's Juventus thrives on quick transitions, vertical passes, and a relentless press. The midfield duo (or trio, depending on the specific variant) is the heart of this system, responsible for:

• Ball Winning and Disruption: High-intensity pressing and winning duels are non-negotiable. Midfielders must be adept at breaking up opposition attacks, often in man-to-man situations.
• Verticality and Progression: The emphasis is on moving the ball forward quickly, breaking lines with incisive passes rather than prolonged circulation. They need to be comfortable receiving under pressure and instantly looking for forward options.
• Covering Ground: The system requires immense stamina and work rate. Midfielders must cover vast expanses of the pitch, supporting both the attacking and defensive phases, often filling in for overlapping wing-backs or covering central defenders.
• Tactical Discipline: While dynamic, the system demands strict adherence to positional discipline, ensuring defensive solidity and enabling quick turnovers.

Juventus' current midfield, while possessing talent, has at times lacked the consistent aggression, speed of thought, and defensive solidity required for a truly dominant Tudor side. Manuel Locatelli, while an accomplished deep-lying playmaker, can be exposed defensively when isolated. Teun Koopmeiners, who is considered a more skilled number eight, had a hard time scoring goals consistently during the previous season.  Khéphren Thuram offers power and progression, but consistency remains key. Douglas Luiz, a recent acquisition, is reportedly already on his way out, highlighting Tudor's clear desire for specific profiles. This is where the spotlight falls on Hjulmand and Bissouma.

Morten Hjulmand: The Anchoring Conductor

Morten Hjulmand, at 26 years old, is Juventus' clear top target for the defensive midfield role. His journey from Lecce to Sporting CP, where he played a pivotal role in their recent domestic double, showcases a player whose stock has risen exponentially. Hjulmand is not merely a destroyer; he is a regista with an iron will, a deep-lying playmaker who offers both defensive steel and impressive ball progression.

What Hjulmand Brings:

• Elite Positional Play: Hjulmand's understanding of space and his ability to always be in the right place to intercept or win back possession is exceptional. He reads the game brilliantly, anticipating passes and runs.
• Duel Winning Machine: Ranking in the 93rd percentile for duels won in the Primeira Liga last season, Hjulmand is physically robust and tenacious. He relishes the physical battles in midfield, consistently coming out on top. This aggressive edge is precisely what Tudor demands.
• Progressive Passing: Despite operating in a deeper role, Hjulmand is not one to simply recycle possession. He boasts an 87th percentile ranking for progressive passes, showcasing his ability to break lines with accurate, forward-thinking distribution. His short passing is very accurate, which helps the team move the ball quickly from the back. 
• Tactical Discipline and Leadership: Hjulmand's maturity and tactical understanding are evident in his performances. He consistently directs play, organizes the midfield, and leads by example. This leadership quality is very important for a team that is going through a change. 
• Work Rate: He covers an immense amount of ground, tirelessly pressing and tracking back, fitting seamlessly into a high-octane system.

Potential Fit in Tudor's Juventus:

Hjulmand would be the undisputed anchor of Tudor's midfield. His presence would allow other midfielders more freedom to push higher or make late runs into the box. In a 3-5-2, he would be the central pivot, shielding the defence and initiating attacks. In a 3-4-2-1, he would be one of the two central midfielders, tasked with both disrupting opposition attacks and launching rapid transitions. His skill at getting the ball back quickly near the opponent's goal is very important for Tudor's pressing strategy. 

The main concern for Juventus is his reported €80 million release clause. While Sporting are said to be open to negotiating below that, potentially around €50-60 million, even that is a significant investment. However, considering his profile and potential impact, Juventus clearly views him as a foundational piece for their midfield for years to come.

Yves Bissouma: The Dynamic Ball-Carrier and Disruptor

Yves Bissouma, currently at Tottenham Hotspur, represents a slightly different, though equally compelling, midfield profile. At 28, he too is in his prime and possesses a unique blend of athleticism, ball-winning prowess, and underrated technical ability. He is being considered as an alternative or complementary option to Hjulmand.

What Bissouma Brings:

• Exceptional Ball Winning: Bissouma is a relentless ball-winner. His tackling is sharp, his interceptions are frequent, and he has a knack for dispossessing opponents in tight spaces. This defensive aggression is a key part of his playing style.
• Bissouma is really good at moving the ball forward. He can get past defenders using quick moves and strong bursts of speed.  He can turn defence into attack rapidly, driving through the midfield lines.
• Physicality and Stamina: He is a physically imposing presence in midfield, capable of dominating aerial duels and shrugging off challenges. His ability to keep going lets him stay at a good performance level throughout the entire 90 minutes. 
• Versatility: While often deployed as a deep-lying midfielder, he can also play as a more traditional box-to-box midfielder, offering support in both attacking and defensive thirds.
• Press Resistance: His close control and dribbling make him highly press-resistant, allowing him to retain possession in congested areas and bypass opposition presses.

Potential Fit in Tudor's Juventus:

Bissouma's dynamism would be a massive asset to Tudor's midfield. His ability to win the ball and immediately drive forward aligns perfectly with the verticality Tudor seeks. He could operate as one of the two central midfielders in a double pivot, either alongside Hjulmand (creating a truly dominant and combative base) or another central player. His ball-carrying would add a new dimension, allowing Juventus to break quickly from deeper positions.

The reported price tag for Bissouma, between €15-20 million, makes him a more economically viable option than Hjulmand, especially given Tottenham's willingness to sell. The main hurdle might be the non-EU slot, as Juventus has already made several international signings. However, his proven Premier League quality and tactical fit make him a very attractive proposition.

Impact on Current Juventus Midfielders

The potential arrivals of Hjulmand and/or Bissouma signal a clear hierarchy shift in Juventus' midfield.

• Manuel Locatelli: Being the captain, Locatelli's role is pretty much safe. However, his role might evolve. With Hjulmand providing the defensive anchor, Locatelli could be afforded more freedom to orchestrate play from a slightly more advanced position or focus purely on his exceptional passing range. He would likely be a guaranteed starter alongside either of the new signings.
• Teun Koopmeiners: After a season where he didn't quite hit the heights expected, Koopmeiners faces increased competition. While he offers goalscoring threat and can play as a 'mezzala' in a 3-5-2, he needs to improve his consistency and defensive contributions to remain a key figure under Tudor. His versatility might keep him in the squad, but starting minutes could be impacted.
• Khéphren Thuram offers strong power and quick attacking movements, but similar to Koopmeiners, he needs to improve his defensive focus and understanding of tactics, especially in Tudor's strict system. He will likely compete for a spot in the rotation, potentially alongside Weston McKennie.
• Weston McKennie's constant efforts and ability to run all over the field fit well with Tudor's approach. He offers an option for a more aggressive, high-pressing midfield. He will likely compete for playing time, particularly if Tudor wants to add more direct running to the midfield.
• Douglas Luiz: The reports of Douglas Luiz's impending departure, despite only recently joining, underline Tudor's specific requirements. It highlights that even talented players might not fit the new tactical vision, making way for more suitable profiles.
• Fabio Miretti & Nicolò Fagioli: These young talents, while promising, will likely find their pathways to regular starting spots even harder with top-tier competition arriving. They will benefit from learning from experienced pros but may see more limited minutes, perhaps thriving in cup competitions or off the bench.
• Vasilije Adžić: The young prospect is still developing and will likely continue to be nurtured, but new arrivals would undoubtedly push him further down the pecking order for immediate first-team action.

The Financial Balancing Act

Juventus' finances are getting better, but they still need to be managed carefully.  The pursuit of Hjulmand, with his significant price tag, suggests a willingness to invest heavily in key areas. However, this also necessitates player sales. The potential departures of Dusan Vlahovic, Timothy Weah, and Samuel Mbangula, as well as the confirmed exit of Douglas Luiz, are crucial for funding these ambitious moves. The club's director general, Damien Comolli, known for his shrewd dealings, is evidently working to balance the books while strengthening the squad.

The fact that Juventus has reportedly agreed personal terms with Hjulmand, even turning down Manchester United and Tottenham, underscores their commitment to securing him. Similarly, Bissouma's availability at a more modest fee, albeit with non-EU considerations, highlights a flexible approach to reinforcing the midfield.

Conclusion: A Midfield Revolution Underway

The potential acquisitions of Morten Hjulmand and Yves Bissouma signify a strategic and purposeful rebuild of Juventus' midfield under Igor Tudor. This isn't just about adding depth; it's about fundamentally altering the characteristics of the engine room to align with Tudor's high-octane, vertical football.

Hjulmand, the composed yet combative conductor, offers the tactical intelligence and ball progression needed to dictate play from deep, while Bissouma, the dynamic ball-carrier and relentless disruptor, provides the aggression and explosive forward thrust that can break lines. Together, or even individually, they represent a significant upgrade in dynamism, defensive solidity, and transition speed – qualities that were sometimes lacking in the previous season.

For Juventus fans, these transfer pursuits offer genuine excitement. It's a clear signal that the club is determined to shed the inconsistencies of the recent past and build a squad that can genuinely challenge for the Scudetto and compete fiercely in the Champions League. The midfield is the heart of any successful team, and with Hjulmand and Bissouma firmly in their sights, Igor Tudor's Juventus is poised for a midfield revolution. The Old Lady is shedding her skin, and a new, more aggressive, and energetic core is beginning to take shape.

~~~ By Dribble Diaries