Man Utd rejected by ‘new Del Piero’

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 17 Dec 2024 07:38 GMT
• 3 min read

Manchester United's hopes of signing Kenan Yildiz appear to be over for now after the Turkey wonderkid pledged the next five years to Juventus.

Man Utd have been long term admirers of the 19-year-old attacker, who has burst onto the Italian and European scene over the last year for Juventus and Turkey.

In recent weeks there have been growing reports that United will table a bid for the left winger, who is also wanted by Arsenal.

READ MORE: Latest Man Utd transfer news

But Yildiz has rejected the interest of the Premier League giants and pledged his future to Juventus.

What did Yildiz say?

When asked in an interview with Tuttosport where he sees himself next year and in five years time, he replied: "Next year? I see myself here fighting for more titles as a Juventus player.

"In five years? On the pitch, giving everything to win in this shirt. I am happy at Juventus."

READ MORE: Man Utd top scorers 2024/25

Yildiz at Juventus

Kenan Yildiz has emerged in 2024 as one of the most exciting young talents at Juventus in years.

The teenager has long been tipped to become a superstar. Juve beat Barcelona to his signature as a 16-year-old in the summer of 2022 when his contract at Bayern Munich expired.

At the time this was considered as a huge coup for a player seen as one of the best in the world at his age group.

Yildiz initially played with Juventus’ Under-19s and Next Gen team in Serie C, but broke into the first team setup midway through last season.

He has had a number of standout performances so far this season, despite Juve's struggles, particularly in the Champions League wins over Man City and PSV, as well as in the 4-4 draw with champions Inter when he scored twice.

Yildiz has already been compared to Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero, who was his idol as a kid.

Like the 2006 World Cup winner, Yildiz loves to cut in from the left and boasts wonderful control, technique and the ability to beat a man and unleash a shot in on goal.

He even celebrates in the same way as Del Piero did, sticking out his tongue when he scores. The pair have developed something of a bromance together.

Yildiz has been capped 17 times by Tukey, scoring two goals and playing at Euro 2024.