Manuel Locatelli celebrates with Juventus teammates including Kenan Yildiz and Khephren Thuram after scoring against Roma | Getty Images / Alberto PIZZOLI / AFPplaceholder image
Manuel Locatelli celebrates with Juventus teammates including Kenan Yildiz and Khephren Thuram after scoring against Roma | Getty Images / Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP | AFP via Getty Images
Liverpool have been linked with several new wingers with one of Europe’s most promising youngsters the latest to be named.
Liverpool have turned a corner in terms of results and will be looking to strengthen again in January to help close the gap on Arsenal and Man City at the top of the table.
Aside from the Marc Guehi transfer saga, Arne Slot could be looking to add more pace, creativity and goals in the final third and has been linked with a number of players capable of making a difference. Antoine Semenyo now seems certain to move to Man City after early reports claimed that the Ghana international had agreed terms with Liverpool. The 25-year old was clearly a player on Richard Hughes’ radar though and it isn’t a surprise to see others with a similar profile being linked. RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande has been linked, but a new name has emerged that will excite the Anfield faithful.
Liverpool monitor Kenan Yildiz transfer situation
According to TuttoSport, Liverpool are monitoring the situation of Kenan Yildiz at Juventus with the 20-year old Turkey international having scored nine goals and chipped in with eight assists already this season. As well as the numbers, being over 6ft tall and with pace to burn, it is easy to see why clubs are starting to circle. The report, written by transfer journalist Nicholas Schira claims that a new contract is Juventus’ priority:
“This is without a doubt the case for the English big clubs (Arsenal, Chelsea , and Liverpool have all had him monitored repeatedly in recent months) and even Real Madrid (Xabi Alonso is a great admirer of his and has reportedly recommended him to Florentino Perez as the summer signing to make, should one of Vinicius or Rodrygo leave). The Lady, in fact, intends to renew her wedding vows with her young star to write an ever brighter and, possibly, successful future together.”
Yildiz branded ‘extraordinary’ by international manager
Yildiz arrived in Italy via Bayern Munich’s academy and the Bundesliga champions must be kicking themselves that they let such a talented young player leave. What makes matters worse is that he joined Juventus on a free transfer and don’t have any buy back clause. Despite Yildiz’s age and relative inexperience, Turkey manager Vincenzo Montella is a huge fan, via FIFA.com: “Yildiz is an extraordinary player who is fully focused on his football. He’s not just a pretty face, but also a kind soul.
“He’s determined to make it to the top. He takes risks and stays behind after every training session to improve his game. With his huge potential, which continues to grow, he’s on track to achieve great things in the game. He’s got the present and the future on his side.” said the Turkey coach.
Radar image of Juventus star Kenan Yildiz linked with a move to Liverpool.placeholder image
Radar image of Juventus star Kenan Yildiz linked with a move to Liverpool. | Data MB
Using Data MB’s comparison model, if you haven’t seen Yildiz play, he has a similar profile to that of Paris Saint Germain’s Khvichi Kvarataskhelia, a player who is the template for modern wingers. The only difference between the two playmakers is that the Georgia international is slightly better across each metric. Yildiz isn’t the finished article though and will only get better.
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