In a significant boost for Juventus, highly-touted young talent Kenan Yildiz has reportedly opted for long-term loyalty to the Bianconeri, rejecting advances from European giants Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
According to Calciomercato, the 20-year-old Turkish international has reached an agreement in principle on a contract extension that will keep him at Juventus until 2030. This new deal is expected to include a substantial wage increase, reflecting his burgeoning importance to the club’s future.
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Yildiz has rapidly emerged as a central figure in Juventus’s long-term vision, both on and off the pitch. His impressive performances, particularly during the recent Club World Cup where he netted three goals and provided two assists in just 251 minutes, have solidified his position as the centerpiece of the team’s sporting and commercial projects. Amidst reports of numerous other Bianconeri players being available for transfer, Yildiz stands out as one of the very few considered “truly untouchable.”
Speaking recently about his connection with the club and his ambitions, Yildiz expressed a deep desire to remain in Turin. “Staying at Juventus for the rest of my life would be a dream for me,” he stated. However, ever mindful of football’s unpredictable nature, he added, “But in football, you never know what can happen. I prefer to enjoy the present without thinking too much about the future.”
Regarding the responsibility of donning the iconic No. 10 shirt, Yildiz showed maturity beyond his years. “It’s an honour to wear this number,” he explained, “but it’s me who plays, not the number on my back. The weight of the shirt is the same for everyone.”
The finalization of the 2005-born Turk’s new contract is anticipated shortly, with only minor formalities remaining. Once confirmed, Juventus will have successfully fended off significant transfer speculation and secured a rising star around whom they plan to build their future squad. This commitment effectively closes the door on Barcelona and Bayern Munich’s interest, allowing Juventus to focus on their strategic development with Yildiz at its core.