Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool have emerged as an interested party for Juventus wonderkid Kenan Yildiz according to reports in Italy. It appears the Serie A side is in a race against time to secure the Turkish star’s long-term future amid a complex contract negotiation that has become entangled with manager Luciano Spalletti’s own renewal situation.
The 20-year-old attacking midfielder, dubbed “the alien” by Spalletti for his otherworldly talents, has been identified as a key target for the Reds alongside European giants Real Madrid, with both clubs closely monitoring his contract standoff at the Allianz Stadium.
The interest in the Turkey international is not a recent development. Former sporting director Jörg Schmadtke allegedly recommended the player to Jurgen Klopp in late 2023 after tracking his progression through Bayern Munich’s academy before his 2022 free transfer to Juventus.
La Gazetta dello Sport report on the situation, and claim that the crux of the issue revolves around two interconnected contract negotiations that have stalled in Turin. Juventus are eager to extend both Spalletti’s deal through 2028 and Yildiz’s contract from its current 2029 expiry to either 2030 or 2031, but both parties are taking their time.
Spalletti, whose current deal runs only until June 2026, is reportedly seeking “technical guarantees” before committing, with Yildiz’s retention at the top of his list of demands. The 66-year-old manager is said to have developed a “special relationship” with his young starlet.
For his part, Yildiz is “waiting for the right offer.” Currently earning just €1.5 million per season, the player and his camp are seeking a substantial raise to around €6 million annually—quadrupling his current wages—which would make him one of Juventus’ highest-paid players. Juventus have reportedly agreed in principle to meet this demand and are now preparing an improved offer that would extend his contract through 2031.
Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Juventus view the “double renewal” as urgent and hope to finalize both deals within the coming weeks, but time is running short as elite European clubs continue to circle.
Yildiz has registered 16 goal contributions (eight goals and four assists) in 29 appearances across all competitions for Juventus thus far. The Germany-born winger has firmly established himself as a cornerstone of the Bianconeri’s attack, wearing the iconic number 10 shirt previously donned by Alessandro Del Piero, Paulo Dybala and Paul Pogba.
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