Kenan Yildiz, the 19-year-old Turkish prodigy, has reignited Juventus’ ambitions with a spectacular goal that secured a crucial 1-0 victory against Genoa. After a two-month drought, Yildiz’s strike at the Allianz Stadium marked his return to prominence, showcasing his immense talent under new head coach Igor Tudor. This performance not only reaffirmed his importance to the team but also solidified Juventus’ commitment to keeping him as a cornerstone of their future plans.
A New Role Under Tudor
In his first official match under Tudor, Yildiz was repositioned as a pure trequartista, playing behind the lone striker. This tactical adjustment proved to be a masterstroke, allowing him to thrive closer to the goal and utilize his technical brilliance. His decisive goal not only broke his scoring drought but also symbolized the fresh energy Tudor has brought to the squad. “Bringing the youngster closer to the goal was the best possible choice,” remarked observers, emphasizing how this change unlocked Yildiz’s potential.
Juventus’ Strategy: Building Around Yildiz
La Gazzetta dello Sport report that Juventus are determined to avoid repeating past mistakes, particularly the case of Dean Huijsen, who was sold to Bournemouth and later exploded in the Premier League. Huijsen’s departure for €18 million has become a cautionary tale for the club, especially as top European teams now eye him with offers exceeding €60 million. Learning from this experience, Juventus is resolute in safeguarding Yildiz, who is seen as both a present and future asset.
Yildiz’s contract runs until 2029, and the club plans to resist lucrative offers from abroad, particularly from Premier League teams. The young player’s loyalty to Juventus is evident—his kiss on the badge after scoring against Genoa was no coincidence. Juventus aims to capitalize on this mutual affection while ensuring financial stability through strategic backing from Exor, which recently injected €15 million into the club’s budget.
Champions League: A Key Factor
Securing Champions League qualification is vital for Juventus’ plans to retain Yildiz and bolster their squad. Currently sitting fifth in Serie A, just one point behind Bologna and three behind Atalanta, Juventus face an intense race for a top-four finish. These final eight matches will be critical in shaping both their sporting and financial future.
Avoiding Another Painful Departure
Juventus are determined not to repeat the Huijsen scenario with Yildiz. His recent performances have reinforced his status as one of Europe’s brightest young talents, and losing him would be a significant setback. With Tudor at the helm and a clear strategy in place, Juventus is committed to nurturing their rising star while building a team capable of competing at the highest level.
