He evaluates and negotiates with Ligue 1 players, effectively converts previous management`s groundwork into successful deals, and some of his targets align with long-standing Juventus objectives. This summer, everything is in his hands.
The emerging Juventus squad is undeniably bearing the distinctive mark of Damien Comolli. Though he has only been at the helm of the Bianconeri`s transfer operations for just over a month, the general manager is already making his presence felt. His influence is evident in every action, every negotiation, in completed deals, and those still in progress. While his role as a “one-man show” is partly due to Juventus currently lacking a sporting director – a matter that remains on the agenda but without immediate urgency, even beyond the summer window – it ultimately underscores that this transfer period is, and will remain, Comolli`s market.
Key Indicators of His Influence
Comolli is empathetic, direct, aware of challenges, and eager to prove himself in the Italian football landscape, a new environment for him. From his extensive introductory press conference, the general manager conveyed these qualities, and the initial reaction from the club`s sphere has been overwhelmingly positive. Comolli is tackling multiple issues simultaneously but prioritizes his efforts. His first significant moves included securing Kalulu`s redemption from Milan and retaining Kolo Muani and Conceicao for the Club World Cup. Then came the first new signing. With the swift conclusion of the David deal, Comolli demonstrated impeccable timing, reacting instantly to the player`s initial openness, with the final agreement reached within days.
Damien Comolli (right) with Maurizio Scanavino at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on July 1, 2025, for the Club World Cup.
To say this is Juventus`s market under Comolli is to highlight his knack for “playing at home” when pursuing French targets – meaning players from Ligue 1, a league he knows intimately from his five seasons as Toulouse president. Beyond the Alps, Comolli had already appreciated David`s qualities at Lille, even as an opponent. It`s significant that this club target also quickly gained the director`s approval. The Canadian had been linked with Juventus for months, and Comolli wasted no time in converting the previous management`s groundwork into a successful acquisition. Looking at other profiles, some of Juventus`s long-standing targets even align with Comolli`s own past interests. A prime example? Hancko, whom Comolli had wanted to sign for Fenerbahce years ago. Perhaps now, as Juventus`s general manager, he`ll finally succeed in bringing the Slovakian defender, who is certainly not a new name within the walls of Continassa (Juventus`s training ground).
Timing, Diplomacy, and `Juventinità`
Comolli possesses both a keen business sense and a sharp eye, an innate ability honed since the start of his career, particularly during his time at Arsène Wenger`s Arsenal. Wenger is a mentor to the Juventus GM (who even named his son after him), and Comolli has come a long way since his scout days with the Gunners from 1996 to 2004. He has overseen numerous operations, multiple transfer windows, and cultivated valuable contacts. These connections will prove useful when engaging with clubs he knows, such as Tottenham (where he worked for three years between 2005 and 2008), potentially for Bissouma, one of the latest names linked to the midfield. This is Comolli`s inaugural transfer window at Juventus, a period that will serve as his first major impression with the Bianconeri, in a summer where Juventus must minimize errors. So far, setting aside his affinity for algorithms, Comolli`s method has shown excellent timing in securing the David deal. Now, significant diplomacy will be required for the Vlahovic situation and potentially to open talks with De Laurentiis regarding Osimhen. Furthermore, a high degree of “Juventinità” (a deep understanding and embodiment of Juventus`s values) will be essential when handling the contract renewal of a key talent like Yildiz. The summer of Comolli`s transfer market is now entering its most intense phase.
