Emil Audero Linked With Juventus Return Amid Goalkeeper Shake-Up

Indonesia international goalkeeper Emil Audero has been linked with a possible return to Juventus as the Italian giants reshape their goalkeeping department ahead of the 2026/27 season. The move, however, has not yet been officially announced, with current reports describing Audero as one of the leading candidates being considered by the Bianconeri.

The speculation carries extra significance because Audero developed in Juventus’ academy and made his senior Serie A debut for the club in 2017. Nearly a decade later, the 29-year-old could now return to Turin in a very different role, bringing considerably more top-flight experience than when he first left.

Juventus Reshuffle Goalkeeping Department

Juventus have already made a major change between the posts by signing Guglielmo Vicario from Tottenham Hotspur. The Italian goalkeeper joined on a season-long loan running until June 30, 2027. Juventus also hold an option to make the deal permanent for €8 million, with another €2 million potentially payable through performance-related bonuses.

Vicario’s arrival has created uncertainty around the other goalkeepers in Luciano Spalletti’s squad. Michele Di Gregorio has been linked with a move away from Turin, while Mattia Perin has also attracted interest elsewhere. Reports cited by Italian and Indonesian media suggest Juventus may need another experienced goalkeeper if departures occur before the transfer window closes.

Audero has consequently emerged as an attractive solution, especially because he qualifies as a Juventus academy-trained player. That status could provide an additional advantage when the club registers its squad for domestic and European competitions.

Audero Would Be Returning to Familiar Territory

A move to Juventus would represent a return to where Audero’s professional career began.

Born in Mataram, Indonesia, in January 1997, Audero moved to Italy as a child and progressed through Juventus’ youth structure. After several years with the Primavera and first-team environment, he finally made his Serie A debut on May 27, 2017, starting in a 2-1 victory over Bologna.

At the time, Audero was developing behind legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. His opportunities in Turin were therefore limited, and Juventus later sent him to Venezia on loan for the 2017/18 campaign so he could gain regular first-team experience.

His career subsequently took him through Sampdoria and Inter Milan before he joined Como on a four-year contract. Como officially signed Audero from Sampdoria after he had spent the previous season on loan with Inter, where he was part of a Serie A title-winning squad.

Cremonese Loan Added More Serie A Experience

Audero spent the 2025/26 season on loan at Cremonese. Como confirmed the temporary move in July 2025, while Cremonese announced that the agreement included an option related to the goalkeeper’s transfer.

By the time he joined Cremonese, Audero had accumulated extensive Serie A experience through his spells with Juventus, Sampdoria, Inter and Como. Cremonese noted that he had already reached 176 Serie A appearances before beginning that loan spell.

His time away has therefore transformed him from the inexperienced academy graduate who once competed for minutes behind Buffon into a goalkeeper accustomed to regular football in Italy’s top division.

That experience is one reason a return could make sense for Juventus if the club wants an established backup behind Vicario.

A Move Would Also Draw Attention in Indonesia

Audero’s club future is closely followed in Indonesia after he chose to represent the national team. Cremonese confirmed that he made his Indonesia debut on June 5, 2025, against China in World Cup qualifying after previously representing Italy at several youth levels.

Returning to Juventus would therefore place one of Indonesia’s most prominent European-based players back at one of Serie A’s biggest clubs.

For Audero, however, playing time would be an important consideration. Vicario has clearly arrived as a major part of Juventus’ plans, meaning Audero could face another battle for minutes if he returns to Turin.

Transfer Still Awaits Official Confirmation

Despite reports presenting Audero as a strong candidate, Juventus had not listed an official Audero signing announcement on the club’s news page as of August 19. The club’s latest confirmed goalkeeping transaction remains the arrival of Vicario.

The situation may also depend on whether Juventus complete outgoing deals involving Di Gregorio or Perin. Until those pieces move, Audero’s potential homecoming remains a transfer possibility rather than a completed deal.

Still, the connection is easy to understand. Audero knows Juventus, developed in its academy and now possesses years of Serie A experience. Should an agreement eventually be reached, his return would close a circle that began with a single senior appearance in 2017—and could open a new chapter almost ten years later.