Juventus Faces Challenges with Yildiz Amid Contract Stalemate and Performance Issues

Juventus has entered a new phase under Luciano Spalletti following the departure of Igor Tudor, but expectations have been dampened after a 1-1 draw against Fiorentina. This match once again highlighted a team that is grappling with the challenge of translating potential into tangible performance. A focal point of disappointment has been Yildiz, a young player once regarded as the club’s future attacking star, who is now contending with both form and fitness issues.

Yildiz’s recent performance has been disappointing, managing to score only one goal in his last twelve appearances, which came late in a match against Udinese when Juventus was already ahead. This stark decline contrasts sharply with his early-season form, where he had achieved two goals and four assists in just four games. Since then, his contributions have diminished significantly.

In the match against Fiorentina, the 20-year-old appeared to drift through the game without any notable impact. His ongoing knee issue, which he has been managing for weeks, certainly contributes to this lack of form. Nevertheless, Juventus continues to rely heavily on him, deploying him in nearly every match due to his importance to the team and the scarcity of alternatives.

Spalletti has come to Yildiz’s defense, suggesting that the team’s slow tempo provided “little vertical service” to their forwards. However, the current reality is that Juventus appears blunt in attack, and Yildiz seems to be burdened by the weight of expectations.

Negotiations regarding a contract renewal for Yildiz have stalled. The Turkish international had signed a long-term deal in August 2024, extending until 2029, following a breakthrough season. However, the club felt the need to revisit the conversation as interest from other European clubs began to emerge.

Currently, Yildiz earns approximately €1.5 million annually, a figure that pales in comparison to Dusan Vlahovic’s €12 million and is significantly below the salaries of Europe’s top young talents. Reports indicate that Yildiz’s representatives are now seeking a salary increase to the €5-6 million range to better reflect his rising status and market value.

Juventus, however, considers this request excessive. A recent meeting between new CEO Damien Comolli and Yildiz’s representatives concluded without an agreement, leaving both parties publicly composed but privately frustrated. Giorgio Chiellini encapsulated the sentiment at the Social Football Summit in Turin, urging for patience in the renewal discussions, stating, “Yildiz renewal? Calm down. Calm down. Everyone has the will: with balance and calm, everything can be done.”

Yet, behind the scenes, achieving this balance has proven difficult. With interest from Premier League clubs and Real Madrid, the young forward is aware that his market value is increasing, and a bidding war could easily surpass €100 million next summer. For Juventus, losing him would be a substantial blow to their long-term project.

Yildiz’s decline in form coincided with a knee issue diagnosed as patellar tendinopathy, an overuse injury affecting his agility and speed—attributes vital to his playing style. Early signs of the problem emerged before a league match against Lazio when he requested rest due to discomfort. The injury became significant enough to prevent his participation in Spalletti’s debut game, a 2-1 victory over Cremonese on October 27.

While the injury did not necessitate a prolonged absence, it forced Juventus to significantly alter Yildiz’s training regimen. He returned to action by early November and was deemed fit for the Champions League encounter against Sporting CP, but his involvement has since been cautiously managed, involving reduced playing time and a more conservative approach from the medical team.

Spalletti has acknowledged the challenge of balancing player protection with performance, admitting that Juventus “must play in a way that supports players like Yildiz” while managing an injury that could worsen with excessive demands.

Yildiz’s contract situation emerges alongside a turbulent period for Juventus, which saw the departure of Tudor following an eight-match winless streak, leaving them in eighth place in Serie A. Massimo Brambilla briefly took over before Spalletti was appointed to stabilize the team.

While Spalletti has introduced a semblance of structure, Juventus continues to struggle offensively. Despite significant investments in attacking players over the summer, the team’s performances have been inconsistent and lackluster, with the draw against Fiorentina epitomizing the broader issue of failing to unlock the potential of promising players.

This is why Yildiz’s renewal is crucial, extending beyond mere salary considerations. The club views him as a pivotal figure in their rebuilding efforts over the next four to six years. To secure his future, Juventus must present a compelling competitive project, both in domestic competitions and on the European stage.