Emotions were high at Bayern Munich when Kenan Yildiz chose in 2022 to move on to Juventus’ youth venture rather than stay at the German big club. – The left winger, who is now 19 years old, is said to have made the choice to move to Italy after having talks with the then manger Julian Nagelsmann.
Nagelsmann, who is now national team manager for Germany, “does not get the pleasure” of saying no to Kenan Yuldiz as he has chosen Turkey over his second home country Germany. In August, the big talent extended his contract with Juventus, with the desire to stay for a long time. – The extension came as a reaction from both Manchester United and Chelsea a few weeks in advance.
The 19-year-old impressed during his breakout season with Juventus, scoring four times in 32 games for the club in 2023/24. He then continued with an encouraging Euro 2024 as Turkey reached the quarter-finals.
Naturally, there was significant interest from Europe’s giants during the summer given the winger’s age, quality and potential, with Man Utd and Chelsea both seeing offers rejected by Juventus according to a recent report by Corriere dello Sport.
Despite obvious interest in recruiting a new winger during the summer, Man Utd did not strengthen their wide striker department. However, Chelsea signed Pedro Neto and Jadon Sancho, the latter on loan from the Red Devils.
Now the bids have started to come again. Transfermarkt believes the value of Kenan Yildiz has risen to 40 million euros. Juventus have so far said no thanks and will not talk to anyone until a possible bid reaches 60 million euros.
Borussia Dortmund, Fenerbahce and Aston Villa were also reported as suitors for the talented teenager, but Juventus were determined to keep Yildiz at the club, rejecting all offers that got in the way.
In the end, the Italian giants managed to tie Yildiz to a new deal in August, keeping him at the club until 2029. He was given the No. 10 shirt previously worn by Alessandro Del Piero, Roberto Baggio and Michel Platini.
Yildiz has done an excellent job under new manager Thiago Motta this season, as he blossoms into an exceptional striker, scoring four goals and delivering three assists across Serie A and the Champions League.
A recent report from Germany has claimed that Man Utd are still interested in Yildiz, with new manager Ruben Amorim expected to bolster his attacking options in 2025.
