Real Madrid are preparing to revive their pursuit of Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz, who is valued at around €100m and is viewed as one of the main targets in the club’s next “Galacticos” project.
Arsenal and Bayern Munich are also monitoring the Turkey international, while Juventus could face losing their young star if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Real Madrid have renewed their interest in Yildiz and are applying significant pressure in their attempt to sign him. Juventus have placed a valuation of approximately €100m on the player for nearly a year, and may demand more.
The Spanish club requested information about Yildiz during the January 2025 transfer window, when Xabi Alonso was Real Madrid manager, and showed a willingness to pursue a deal. Yildiz was reportedly Alonso’s preferred target, particularly amid growing issues in the dressing room, including tensions involving Vinicius Junior, who was seen as a potential obstacle.
The situation surrounding Vinicius remained unresolved until the beginning of last August, when a lengthy meeting produced an agreement to extend his contract.
Arsenal have previously expressed an interest in Yildiz as they look for a left winger. The Gunners spent €40m last summer to sign Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge, but remain alert to the possibility of adding another player in that position.
Bayern Munich have also followed Yildiz since his departure from the Bavarian club, although their interest has been more distant. Bayern currently have Luis Diaz in that role, while Yildiz could fit into a front three alongside Sibari, Michael Olise, Jamal Musiala and Karl, although that route would prove more complicated.
Real Madrid see Yildiz alongside Haaland
Corriere dello Sport reported: “Real Madrid could return to the Yildiz file next June. Alongside Haaland, the Turkey international is one of the leading names in the next ‘Galacticos’ plan. As happened with Diomande, when Real Madrid offered €140m to Leipzig, money is not a problem.”
The report added: “In that position, there is only Vinicius, and making the two compete would not be a bad option, given the number of matches during a year that will include the European Championship and Copa America.”
Juventus have changed their strategy and have made Yildiz a central figure in their plans. His contract renewal provides him with €7m per year for four and a half years, as well as €6m on signing.
“The era of crazy contracts is over,” the report said. “Juventus have introduced a new salary ceiling and a philosophy built around him as the leading face of the project.”
Yildiz was declared not for sale last summer, while Exor, the Agnelli family company that controls Juventus, announced a €250m capital increase.
However, failure to secure fourth place and Champions League qualification could alter the situation. Karim Alajbegovic, signed last summer for €30m plus €5m in add-ons, could become important as an alternative.
Alajbegovic plays in the same position as Yildiz, who is injured until December. His absence will give Juventus the opportunity to assess how significantly the team is affected without him.
If the replacement performs well, a Yildiz transfer in summer 2027 could become a realistic possibility, allowing Real Madrid to open negotiations from a starting point of €100m.
