Manchester United have registered an interest in signing Juventus star Kenan Yildiz. According to journalist Florian Plettenberg, the Turkish teenager has emerged as an option for the Red Devils in the attacking midfield position.
Yildiz is believed to be on the top of a shortlist identified by the club to join the side under new manager Ruben Amorim. However, the report further claims that the attacker is unwilling to leave Juventus in the upcoming summer.
The 19-year-old is regarded as one of the top prospects across Europe. He made his debut for the Bianconeri in August 2023 in a 3-0 win over Udinese. Prior to this season, he signed a contract extension keeping him at the club until the summer of 2029 and was also given the number 10 shirt. He has made 19 appearances across all competitions this season, recording four goals and three assists.
Yildiz could be a valuable addition to a Manchester United squad that may have to undergo a revamp under Amorim. The change from a back four under Erik ten Hag to a 3-4-2-1 under the Portuguese boss could see an influx of talent to fit the new roles. The 19-year-old’s skill-set could be a great fit for one of the two attacking midfield positions behind the striker.
Ruben Amorim opens up on Manchester United star who is yet to make an appearance
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim provided an update on the fitness of central defender Leny Yoro ahead of the side’s clash against Arsenal. Speaking to the press, he said (via Manchester Evening News):
“We have one more training session. Maybe Leny Yoro will be in the squad. His fitness is better. I think he is going to be in the squad.”
Amorim went on to lavish praise on the youngster, saying:
“Yoro? I think he is a special talent. We have to be careful in this first moment, we didn’t have too many sessions together. He’s training with a small group at the moment.”
“He is very fast and a modern defender. That is good when you want to press high, which is good especially in this league when one on one against strikers, I think he can manage that.”
“He is very good with the ball, I’m really excited. We have to manage the load in the beginning.”
One of the most highly touted defensive prospects in recent memory, Yoro impressed in Ligue 1 as a teenager for Lille. Real Madrid were also interested in his signature, but he eventually completed a €60 million move to Old Trafford this summer.
However, disaster struck for Manchester United as he fractured his foot during their pre-season tour. He is yet to make an official appearance for the club, but fans will be excited to see him in action under Amorim.
Edited by Arshit Garg