Liverpool are considering a summer move for Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz as they search for a replacement for Mohamed Salah, who is expected to depart this summer. According to reports, Juventus director Damien Comolli has revealed the club will need to sell players following their failure to qualify for the Champions League, potentially opening the door for a significant offer for the 21-year-old.
Salah has been a consistent goalscorer for Liverpool since his arrival in 2017, and finding a suitable successor is a priority for incoming manager Arne Slot. Yan Diomande of RB Leipzig has been identified as a key target, but a €100 million transfer may prove difficult to negotiate. Other options, including Bradley Barcola and Anthony Gordon, are also under consideration.
Yildiz enjoyed a productive campaign for Juventus, scoring ten goals and providing six assists, though his form dipped as the team struggled for consistency. Despite Juventus considering Yildiz a key player and having recently extended his contract until 2030, the club’s financial situation may force them to consider offers. Comolli stated that while Yildiz ‘certainly not’ be the player sold, a compelling bid could change their stance.
Several other top European clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea, and Real Madrid, have previously expressed interest in Yildiz. A move to Liverpool could appeal to the player, offering a pathway to both the Premier League and Champions League football. Liverpool are also evaluating a tactical shift, potentially focusing more on the left wing following the sale of Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich and the inconsistent form of Cody Gakpo.
Data analytics firm SciSports suggests Yildiz possesses a higher potential ceiling than Diomande, Gordon, and Barcola, and is the closest left-winger in terms of potential ability to Diaz. Yildiz currently has an Expected Transfer Value (ETV) of €75.6 million, but Juventus are likely to demand a fee closer to €100 million. Despite the high asking price, Liverpool may view the investment as worthwhile given Yildiz’s age and potential to replicate Salah’s impact at Anfield.
