Premier League Eyeing Yildiz, Juventus Sets a High Price Tag: Mendes Lurking
The Juventus squad is currently simmering, poised to boil over at any moment. On one hand, the management of the Old Lady is striving to back Thiago Motta, who was appointed as coach much to everyone's chagrin back in February 2024; yet, whispers of informal talks with other potential candidates for the role have already begun. The coaching situation isn't the only thing causing a stir, as the handling of key players—both on the pitch and financially—looms large over the club.
Yildiz in the Balance
If we set aside the much-debated case of Dusan Vlahovic for a moment, attention turns to Kenan Yildiz. The young Turkish star has become a cornerstone of Thiago Motta's project, proudly donning the number 10 shirt—a heavy mantle made famous by his idol, Alessandro Del Piero—whilst signing a contract that binds him to the club until 2029. However, months later, that early optimism feels a bit shaky. While the former Bayern Munich talent has participated in nearly every match this season (41 appearances out of 42), crucially, he was benched during pivotal games: first sidelined against Atalanta and then watching helplessly during a home debacle against Fiorentina. In subsequent matches, he often found himself warming the bench or substituted at half-time. At just 19, a spell on the sidelines might be acceptable, yet the prevailing sentiment hints at a rather erratic management pattern.
Transfer Talk Looms
Currently, Juventus is beset by the pressing anxiety of failing to secure at least a fourth-place finish in the league. Securing a berth in the Champions League is critical not just for the tactical vision moving forward, but also for the club's financial footing. Without the golden ticket to Europe, Kenan Yildiz’s future may prompt serious contemplation: while he's an integral player, he’s not above being sold.
High Demands and Mendes’ Moves
The presence of Jorge Mendes in Turin just over a month ago hasn’t gone unnoticed. When the powerful Portuguese agent appears, it’s usually a sign that lucrative deals are on his mind. He met with Juventus representatives and then with Yildiz and his family. The likes of Aston Villa have made their interest known, but they’re far from the only Premier League giants keen on the Turkish international. Sporting Director Cristiano Giuntoli is convinced of Yildiz's worth, valuing him at around €75-80 million, despite his season so far featuring just six goals and five assists. In the coming weeks, Juventus will need to clarify not only their managerial situation but also that of Yildiz, as Mendes remains on the prowl.
