The renewal of Kenan Yildiz’s contract with Juventus is proving increasingly complicated, with negotiations between the player’s entourage and the club currently at an impasse. According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, an agreement has yet to be reached between Juventus and representatives of their Turkish number 10, despite the club’s intention to extend his deal until 2030 with a significant salary adjustment.
Stalemate Over Salary Demands
The main obstacle remains financial. Yildiz is reportedly seeking terms that would bring his salary closer to the upper end of the Juventus pay scale. While Dusan Vlahovic’s €12 million annual salary remains a rare exception, Yildiz’s request is said to be in line with Jonathan David’s current €6 million wage.
At present, the gap between the two sides stands at around €1 million per year — not insurmountable, but enough to put the renewal on hold and keep tensions high.
European Giants Watching Closely
The situation has not gone unnoticed abroad. Several major European clubs are said to be monitoring developments, aware that a breakdown in talks could open the door to a major transfer battle next summer. Chelsea had already made a €67 million approach in the past, rejected outright by Juventus, while Real Madrid and Arsenal are now reportedly keeping close tabs on the player’s situation.
Potential Intervention from Elkann
Despite the apparent stalemate, Juventus remain optimistic that an agreement can eventually be reached. Club CEO Damien Comolli continues to lead negotiations, but resolving the issue may ultimately require the direct involvement of John Elkann.
The Exor chief is known to be a strong admirer of Yildiz, viewing the 20-year-old as a key asset to build the club’s future around — both on and off the pitch. Within the Juventus hierarchy, there is a shared belief that allowing such a talent to slip away would be a costly mistake.
Current Contract and Salary
Yildiz currently earns €1.7 million per season under a contract valid until 30 June 2029, making him only the 19th-highest earner in the squad. Among those earning less are Mattia Perin (€1.5m), Daniele Rugani (€1.4m), Fabio Miretti (€1.2m), Juan Cabal (€1.2m), Carlo Pinsoglio (€0.3m), and Vasilije Adzic (€0.3m).
From Next Gen to Number 10
Since joining Juventus from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2022, Yildiz has quickly risen through the ranks. After starting in the Primavera and Next Gen sides, he broke into the first team at the start of the 2023–24 season under Massimiliano Allegri. On 16 August 2024, he renewed his deal through to 2029 and inherited the club’s prestigious number 10 shirt — a symbol of the high expectations around his future.
