La Gazzetta dello Sport report that Juventus met with the representatives of Kenan Yildiz with a view to extending his contract. In recent days, Bianconeri directors received the new entourage of the Turkish starlet at Continassa, a meeting to resume discussions on a renewal, which were interrupted in the spring due to the former Bayern Munich player’s separation from his previous agency.
Gazzetta detail how the timing is no coincidence, as new Bianconeri coach Thiago Motta is a big fan of the 19-year-old striker who exploded last season under Massimiliano Allegri. Yildiz is one of the few untouchables in the new era, and sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli, who closely followed the Turk’s takeoff, wants to nip any potential Euro 2024 surprises in the bud.
Yildiz’s performances and four goals for Juventus have already attracted interest from top clubs like Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool. A few more magic moments with Vincenzo Montella’s Turkey could increase the risks. Juventus wants to avoid that by accelerating talks and adjusting the forward’s contract to his new status – no longer just a Next Gen call-up, but an increasingly prominent striker for the first team.
Yildiz joined Juventus on a free transfer in summer 2022 and renewed last August until 2027 (with an option to 2028) on €250,000-300,000 plus bonuses. Juventus now aims to add a year (to 2029) and increase his salary to reflect his new squad role and reaffirm his centrality to the new Bianconeri project.
Negotiations restarted after the agency change. Anything can happen in football, but the sense is Juventus intends to lock down Yildiz, who wants to commit further having found his feet and dreams of emulating idol Alessandro Del Piero. Juventus envisions Yildiz one day inheriting Del Piero’s iconic no. 10 shirt, currently held by the suspended Paul Pogba. Yildiz won’t ask for it but would embrace that responsibility if offered.
Future scenarios aside, Juventus’ priority is securing their jewel to discourage European giants who recently considered €40 million-plus bids.
