Italian giants Juventus are stepping up their interest in teenage striker Jeff Ekhator as they continue to plan for the club’s long-term future, Footynaija reports.
The 19-year-old Genoa forward has emerged as a player of serious interest within Juventus’ recruitment team. Club scouts are expected to monitor him closely when the two sides meet in Serie A, with a potential move in the summer of 2026 under consideration.
Jeff Ekhator (17 anni e 329 giorni) ⚽️🌟@GenoaCFC pic.twitter.com/c0xYxGUkbY
— Lega Serie A (@SerieA) October 13, 2024
Although Ekhator is not yet viewed as ready to lead the line for a club of Juventus’ size, there is growing belief inside the Allianz Stadium that he could develop into a top striker. The club’s strategy is to secure promising young players early, allowing them time to grow before stepping into the spotlight.
If Juventus decide to act, the plan would likely involve signing Ekhator and continuing his development either on loan or within their Next Gen setup. This approach has become a key part of their recruitment model in recent years, aimed at building a strong core for the future.
Honest Ahanor and Jeff Ekhator 🧒#SerieA‘s two youngest players this season 🔴🔵 pic.twitter.com/sSrkvCIJnB
— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) October 11, 2024
A key factor behind the interest is sporting director Marco Ottolini, who previously worked on assembling Genoa’s squad and is familiar with Ekhator’s qualities. His insight could help Juventus move quickly if competition for the striker increases.
Ekhator remains under contract at Genoa until 2029, and while his market value is estimated at around €13 million, the club are expected to demand a higher fee due to his age and potential.
This season, the young forward has mainly been used from the bench, making 24 Serie A appearances with two goals, alongside one strike in the Coppa Italia. While those numbers are modest, his performances have shown clear promise, with sharp movement, composure in front of goal and the confidence to impact games at a high level.
Ekhator is a youth international who remains eligible to play for Nigeria’s Super Eagles through his father.
