The Juventus Ekhator deal is moving quickly, and Genoa reportedly need a sale before the end of the month to steady their accounts. Italy Under-21 striker Jeff Ekhator has emerged as a surprise target for the Bianconeri, and reports in Italy suggest the talks could be wrapped up today. Nothing says calm long-term planning quite like a deadline and a balance sheet.
Why Juventus are pushing now
Reports from multiple Italian outlets on Monday evening said Juventus had stepped up their attempt to sign Ekhator, who is currently with Genoa. The timing matters. Genoa are understood to be looking for a sale before the month closes, giving Juventus a chance to move quickly for a young forward who has already played for Italy at youth level.
By Tuesday morning, Gianluca Di Marzio reported that contact between Juventus and Genoa had continued throughout the morning. The clubs are discussing a package worth around €15 million, which would help Genoa and give Juventus a younger attacking option.
For Juventus, the appeal is clear enough: secure a promising Italian striker before the market becomes more crowded. For Genoa, the harder part is finding a structure that makes the exit feel less like a reluctant necessity and more like a managed decision.
David Puczka could be included in the package
Juventus are also expected to offer one of their own young players as part of the deal. The player under discussion is David Puczka, a versatile full-back from Juventus Next Gen.
Puczka had a productive 2025-26 campaign, scoring 10 goals in 51 league appearances for the development side. That kind of return from a full-back is useful, and it is a reminder of how much modern football asks from defenders.
If Puczka joins Genoa as part of the agreement for Ekhator, Juventus are expected to retain a buy-back option. That matters. It would let Juventus lower the immediate cash cost or improve the offer while keeping a route back for a player they still rate.
Other Juventus youngsters remain in the picture
Puczka is not the only Juventus youngster who could be discussed. Goalkeeper Giovanni Daffara has also been mentioned as a possible option for Genoa, although the latest updates say Parma are interested in him too.
That competition could complicate any attempt to include Daffara in the Ekhator talks. It also gives Juventus a few options as they try to shape a deal that works for both clubs.
The key point is simple: Juventus are moving with urgency, Genoa have a financial incentive to listen, and Ekhator is the player at the heart of it. If this pace continues, the story could move from surprise report to completed business very quickly.
