Kenan Yildiz’s potential contract extension with the Turin titans is a saga that is not quite as drawn out as that of Juventus team-mate Dusan Vlahovic.
Both Yildiz and Vlahovic could depart Juve in the next two transfer markets because of the club’s contract chaos, with a plethora of leading clubs emerging as serious candidates to land Juve’s gems.
Yet the Italian giants are in negotiations with 20-year-old Yildiz, while talks about a deal with Serbia star Vlahovic stalled months ago and are unlikely to be re-opened.
Although the Bianconeri would fetch a hefty transfer fee for Juventus Next Gen graduate Yildiz, they will only generate a token amount for high-earner Vlahovic if they cash-in on the 25-year-old in January.
Yildiz is ambitious and will undoubtedly be wanting to chase silverware. Juventus show no sign of offering him trophies, which is the opposite of his most ardent admirers.
Arsenal sent scouts to rule an eye on the Turkish talent against AC Milan, but the much-hyped clash was a drab affair with Yildiz withdrawn midway through the second half.
Barcelona regret over transfer
Chelsea’s summer bid for winger Yildiz was turned down flat, while Barcelona declined the player’s approach during the last transfer window because of financial constraints.
Barcelona must be kicking themselves that they didn’t offload some players and sign Yildiz, as they have been strongly linked since September of luring Yildiz to the Nou Camp.
Yildiz is arguably Juve’s best player thanks to his dynamic displays that encompass his exceptional skill set of dribbling, pace, vision and game-changing goals.
His breakthrough season earned him praise from plaudits and earned him a nomination for the Kopa Trophy Ballon d’Or award, finishing fifth.
Juventus issued a hands off policy on their German-born rising star but Juventus have yet to table a contract extension that reflects his value to the club, both on and off the pitch.
Juventus and Yildiz contract standoff
There is an impasse between Yildiz’s super agent Jorge Mendes and the Bianconeri, leaving the window of opportunity open for a major move that is around the €100m (£117.7m) mark.
Barcelona are among the European giants aware of the underlying difficulties between Juve and Yildiz, so are ready to pounce should a new contract until June 2030 not be signed.
Reigning La Liga champions Barcelona boast a youthful squad brimming with creativity, and perceive former Bayern Munich youth team player Yildiz as the perfect partner for 17-year-old winger Lamine Yamal.
Barcelona sporting director Deco is monitoring Yildiz’s contract deadlock, and if the stalemate continues will surely attempt to sign him before there is a bidding war.