Ruben Amorim’s quest to overhaul Manchester United’s attack has taken a bold turn, with the club initiating contact for Juventus’ teenage sensation Kenan Yildiz, reports TEAMtalk. The 19-year-old Turkish winger once hailed as a generational talent coming out of Turkiye by admirers, has become a surprise target amid United’s scramble for creativity and goals upfront.
After signing from Bayern Munich’s academy in 2022, Yildiz quickly rose through Juventus’ ranks, leapfrogging into the first team by 2023. Handed the iconic No. 10 jersey, the teenager repaid the faith with six goals and four assists in 41 games this season. But cracks emerged under Thiago Motta’s turbulent reign as Juventus struggle at 5th in the Serie A. Despite starting 22 Serie A matches, Yildiz’s recent bench role (including a full omission against Fiorentina) has strained his relationship with the manager.
Juventus, fifth in Serie A and at risk of missing Champions League qualification, now face a dilemma. Although Yildiz is a key player for Juventus, he would be an interesting choice for the Italians to cash in as the Turin club values him at a massive €90 million. Failure to secure top-four status could force a sale, but the Turin club won’t budge on their valuation.
For Amorim, Yildiz’s versatility is a siren call. The Turk operates as a winger, attacking midfielder, or false nine, a profile United desperately lacks. With Antony and Marcus Rashford likely departing, and current forwards misfiring, Yildiz could slot into Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 as a dynamic left-sided forward.
But finances loom large. United’s budget hinges on player sales, and €90m for a teenager, while comparable to Rasmus Hojlund’s fee, stings amid FFP constraints. TEAMtalk reports that an initial contact with both Juventus and the player’s entourage represented by Jorge Mendes has occurred, but rivals Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City are also circling.
The move risks diverting funds from Amorim’s priority of a proven striker. Hojlund’s struggles (six Premier League goals) and Joshua Zirkzee’s inconsistency leave United toothless. Yet Yildiz’s potential is undeniable. If Juventus end up missing out on the Champions League, it would represent a golden opportunity for the Red Devils to sign the Turkish star.
With Juventus’ managerial uncertainty and Yildiz’s contract running until 2029, United must act decisively. More talks are expected in June, but Amorim’s rebuild demands tough choices. Paying €90m for potential over a finished product? For a club craving instant results, it’s a gamble but one that could redefine their attack.