Liverpool have set their sights on Juventus’ young talent, Kenan Yildiz, with the Italian club reportedly setting a steep €80 million (£66.3m / $84.6m) price tag for the 19-year-old, according to CaughtOffside.
The Reds are part of a growing list of top clubs eager to secure the services of the Turkish international, whose performances have been turning heads across Europe.
Yildiz, who has been compared to Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero for his style and flair, has made a significant impact in Turin this season.
Despite being relatively new to the first team, his ability to adapt across various forward positions has caught the attention of several top-tier clubs. His current contract with Juventus extends until June 2029, making his transfer a costly and complex affair.
The young winger has expressed contentment with his life at Juventus but has not ruled out the possibility of a move to the Premier League, which is widely regarded as the pinnacle of club football.
Liverpool scouts, alongside representatives from Manchester United, Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Borussia Dortmund, were present to witness Yildiz’s skills firsthand in Juventus’ recent clashes against AC Milan and Lecce, showcasing the level of interest from Europe’s elite.
⚫️⚪️ Kenan #Yildiz is on Manchester United’s shortlist, as revealed on Monday.
However, the 19-year-old top talent is also aware that PSG, Arsenal, and Liverpool are monitoring him. #LFC
The current tendency is that he will continue to play for Juventus in the 25/26 season.… pic.twitter.com/SEyZf4DLjs
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) December 4, 2024
This interest from Liverpool is particularly driven by the potential need to plan for life beyond Mohamed Salah, whose contract situation remains a topic of speculation.
Yildiz’s versatility and potential could see him as a long-term investment, providing depth and dynamism to Liverpool’s attack.
However, the ‘ambitious’ nature of this deal is underscored by Juventus’ reluctance to part with their promising young star on anything less than their valuation.
The Bianconeri view Yildiz as a pivotal part of their future, having already shown his worth with key contributions in both Serie A and the Champions League.
The competition for Yildiz’s signature is expected to be fierce, with each club weighing the benefits of adding such a young, high-potential player against the significant financial outlay required.
For Liverpool, securing Yildiz could be part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate their squad with youthful energy and skill, ensuring they remain competitive both domestically and in Europe.
As transfer speculation heats up, all eyes will be on how Liverpool, and their competitors, navigate this ambitious transfer window pursuit. The outcome could very well define the attacking dynamics at Anfield for years to come.
