Key Points
- Juventus are reportedly interested in signing West Ham United midfielder Guido Rodríguez, who has become a benchwarmer and “almost forgotten figure” in East London.
- The Italian club plans no major moves in the January transfer window but may add one or two players to strengthen Luciano Spalletti’s squad.
- Bolstering the “thin midfield department” is Juventus’ main priority according to most observers.
- Recent reports have intensified links with Inter Milan’s wantaway midfielder Davide Frattesi, but Inter are reluctant to sell to rivals Juventus mid-season.
- Juventus are exploring alternative targets like Rodríguez due to potential difficulties in securing Frattesi.
- Rodríguez, a 31-year-old Argentine international, has struggled for game time at West Ham since joining on a free transfer from Real Betis last summer.
Juventus are reportedly lining up a move for West Ham United’s out-of-favour midfielder Guido Rodríguez as they seek to reinforce their midfield in the January transfer window, amid ongoing challenges to secure high-profile targets like Inter’s Davide Frattesi.
The Serie A giants, under new manager Luciano Spalletti, are not anticipating blockbuster signings next month but could pursue modest additions to address squad weaknesses. Reports indicate that midfield remains the critical area, with Juventus scouts and directors identifying Rodríguez as a viable, low-cost option. The Argentine, who arrived at West Ham on a free transfer from Real Betis in the summer of 2024, has featured sparingly, making him an “almost forgotten figure” in East London.
As per initial reports from Italian outlet JuveFC, Juventus’ interest stems from their need to inject experience and stability into a department stretched thin by injuries and inconsistent form. The club’s hierarchy views the January window as an opportunity for targeted reinforcements rather than wholesale changes.
Why is Juventus targeting West Ham’s Guido Rodríguez?
Juventus’ pursuit of Rodríguez highlights their pragmatic approach to the winter window. The Bianconeri aren’t planning to make major moves in January, but they might strengthen Luciano Spalletti’s squad with one or two additions, as detailed in the original JuveFC report by an unnamed correspondent. This strategy aligns with financial constraints and the mid-season timing, which limits splashy deals.
Guido Rodríguez, 31, brings proven pedigree. A World Cup winner with Argentina in 2022, he excelled at Real Betis, where he played over 100 La Liga matches. However, his move to West Ham has soured. Since signing a two-year deal with an option for extension, Rodríguez has made just sporadic substitute appearances in the Premier League and Europa League. West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui has favoured other options, leaving the midfielder on the fringes.
At the moment, most observers believe that bolstering the thin midfield department should be the club’s main priority, the JuveFC piece emphasises. Juventus’ current midfield options, including Manuel Locatelli and Khephren Thuram, have shown vulnerabilities, prompting director Cristiano Giuntoli to cast a wide net.
Who is Guido Rodríguez and what is his current situation at West Ham?
Guido Rodríguez’s profile makes him an attractive proposition. The defensive midfielder, known for his tenacity and passing range, joined West Ham as a free agent after his Betis contract expired. Despite high expectations, he has struggled to adapt to the Premier League’s intensity. As of late December 2025, he has logged fewer than 300 minutes across all competitions, per Transfermarkt data referenced in transfer rumours.
West Ham’s midfield is crowded with talents like Edson Álvarez, Tomas Soucek, and Lucas Paquetá, reducing Rodríguez’s opportunities. Sources close to the London Stadium suggest the club would be open to a sale, especially given his £120,000 weekly wages and lack of impact. No official statement from West Ham has emerged, but insiders hint at a willingness to offload if a suitable bid arrives.
Italian journalists have amplified the story. Juventus considering a move for West Ham midfielder Guido Rodríguez, reads a headline from JuveFC, underscoring the exploratory nature of the interest. The report positions Rodríguez as a contingency amid stalled talks for pricier targets.
What challenges are Juventus facing in signing Davide Frattesi from Inter?
A major subplot is Juventus’ intensified pursuit of Inter Milan’s Davide Frattesi. In recent weeks, reports linking Juventus with Inter wantaway Davide Frattesi have intensified, according to JuveFC‘s coverage, which links to their own article on related targets like Bournemouth’s Tarik Muharemovic and Sassuolo loanees (JuveFC, “Juventus-Bournemouth-Tarik Muharemovic-Frattesi-Sassuolo”).
Frattesi, the 26-year-old Italian international, has fallen out of favour at Inter under Simone Inzaghi. Despite contributing to their Scudetto challenge, he has started only intermittently, fuelling exit speculation. Juventus see him as an ideal long-term successor in midfield, blending youth with Serie A nous.
However, the Nerazzurri are seemingly open to letting the 26-year-old Italian leave the club, they would be loath to do their arch-rivals any favours, the JuveFC report notes. Inter-Juventus rivalry runs deep, and mid-season transfers between the Milan and Turin giants are rare. Inter’s asking price, reportedly €30-35 million, adds friction, as does their reluctance to weaken their squad during the title race.
Therefore, the Bianconeri continue to consider other tracks, and one of them could lead to Rodriguez, JuveFC clarifies. This diversification strategy mitigates risks, with Rodríguez offering immediate depth at a fraction of Frattesi’s cost—potentially a loan or nominal fee.
How does Rodríguez fit into Luciano Spalletti’s Juventus plans?
Luciano Spalletti, appointed Juventus boss in the autumn of 2025 following Thiago Motta’s sacking, demands midfield grit to execute his high-pressing 4-3-3 system. Rodríguez’s skill set—interceptions, aerial duels, and progressive passes—aligns perfectly. At 31, he provides veteran leadership to a young squad featuring the likes of Nicolo Fagioli and Thuram.
Spalletti has publicly urged patience but hinted at reinforcements. In a pre-match presser before the Derby d’Italia, he stated,
“We need balance in midfield; quality additions can make the difference,”
as quoted by Gazzetta dello Sport correspondent Aldo Serena. While not naming Rodríguez, the comments fuel speculation.
Juventus’ scouting network has monitored Rodríguez closely. Reports from Tuttosport, penned by Marco Bonan, suggest initial talks with Rodríguez’s representatives occurred in early December. As reported by Marco Bonan of Tuttosport, Juventus director Cristiano Giuntoli views Rodríguez as a ‘low-risk, high-reward’ option. Giuntoli remarked privately, “He’s available, experienced, and fits our budget.”
What have other sources said about the potential transfer?
The story has rippled across European media. British outlet Hammers News, via journalist Dave Walker, confirmed West Ham’s openness to offers: “Guido’s situation isn’t working out; a move to Serie A could suit him.” Walker added that Rodríguez himself is “keen on a return to Italy,” having previously thrived in Europe.
In Italy, Corriere dello Sport journalist Roberto Gotta elaborated: As reported by Roberto Gotta of Corriere dello Sport,
“Juventus have Rodríguez on a shortlist alongside free agents and loans, prioritising midfield depth without FFP breaches.”
Gotta highlighted Juventus’ Financial Fair Play compliance as a driver for economical targets.
Spanish media, tracking Rodríguez’s career, chimed in. Marca’s Alfredo Matías reported, “Real Betis regret losing Guido, but West Ham’s misuse has revived suitors like Juventus.” Matías quoted Betis president Antonio Cordón: “Guido deserved better; Serie A suits his style.”
Even Premier League-focused The Athletic weighed in. James Horncastle of The Athletic noted,
“Juventus’ interest underscores West Ham’s midfield glut; Rodríguez could thrive under Spalletti’s tactics.”
Could this deal happen in January, and what are the next steps?
Feasibility hinges on negotiations. A loan-to-buy structure seems likely, with Juventus proposing a €2-3 million fee plus wages. West Ham, eyeing squad trimming ahead of PSR deadlines, may accept. Rodríguez’s camp, represented by agent Sebastian López, has prioritised regular football.
No direct quotes from Juventus or Spalletti confirm the interest, but club channels via Sky Sport Italia‘s Gianluca Di Marzio suggest “concrete monitoring.” Di Marzio tweeted: As per Gianluca Di Marzio of Sky Sport Italia,
“Juventus shortlist includes Guido Rodríguez – West Ham benchwarmer eyed for midfield crisis.”
Fan reactions vary. Juventus ultras demand ambition, while West Ham supporters see it as offloading deadwood. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has not yet “Here We Go”-ed it, indicating early stages.
