Juventus have signed academy striker Destiny Elimoghale to the club until June 30, 2029, the day Giovanni Carnevali spoke to shareholders about the youth sector. The striker, born in 2009, is already a part of the European team, even though the injuries extended to the main team.
The club announced the renewal of Elimoghale on November 3. On the same day, CEO Giovanni Carnevali addressed shareholders at the Allianz Stadium. He called for a unified project involving the first team, Next Gen and the youth sector.
Elimoghale has gone through every step of the club’s academy. He has been with Juventus since childhood. This season, he started playing professional football in Serie C.
Injuries opened the doors of Europe for the academy forward
The NEC game was the opening match of the Europa League round. Tuttosport reports that Spalletti has named three Next Gen players because the first team has been hit with injuries. Pagnucco and Owusu joined Elimoghale. All three were included in the European team for the first time.
Elimoghale did not feature in the comfortable win. He remained on the bench as an unused substitute alongside Vicario, Pinsoglio and Pagnucco.
His minutes in Serie C were mixed. In the sixth round, he attempted two long-range shots in a 5–3 home defeat to Albinoleffe. One just went wide. Goalkeeper Baldi saved the other. In the 11th round at Trento, he replaced Leone in the 70th minute of a 2–1 defeat. The match took place in Serie CA group. He was among Massimo Brambilla’s unused substitutes in a 1–1 home draw with Pro Vercelli on 2 November. That 12th round game was Next Gen’s last game.
Carnevali puts the youth sector back at the center
Carnevali said that the club should return the youth sector to the level of recent years. He added that “Juventus” should try to improve him. The long-term supply of a home-grown forward is consistent with this message.
Carnevali also confirmed a change in UEFA’s squad list, replacing Ekhator Locatelli.
For Elimoghale, the bigger picture is the first team that still doesn’t reach the bodies. Coaches have already applied to Next Gen once in Europe. The new long-term deal means the club have secured one of those options.
The team continues to progress towards the next round of European games. McKennie is suffering from muscle fatigue and will miss the Europa League trip to AZ Alkmaar. Alajbegovic and Cabal are expected to be available in the Netherlands. The trip comes with the European squad already reshaped.