Latest developments
- Aston Villa have been linked with Kenan Yildiz of Juventus.
- The Villans are one of a handful of Premier League clubs interested.
- The Turkish star has seven goal involvements for Juve this season.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (2/5): Local media drumming up interest
Aston Villa are one of several Premier League sides who have been linked with a move for Juventus winger Yildiz, one of the most sought-after teenagers in world football.
Local media outlet Birmingham Live are reporting the story, and will have sources close to Villa Park, but even they admit Liverpool are the frontrunners at the moment, so it is likely Villa's link is quite tenuous.
Value (2/5): Juve want to cash in
With Yildiz under contract until 2029, the Turin club have reportedly put a £66.2 million price tag on the 19-year-old's head, which is double the £33.1 million he was recently rated by Transfermarkt.
He has begun this season impressively after shining for Turkey at UEFA Euro 2024, but Villa would have to pay a premium, especially if they are to hold off the Reds, as well as Man Utd and Arsenal.
Suitability (4/5): Left and centre
His 52 first-team appearances for the Old Lady have been split almost perfectly between the left wing and a second striker or attacking midfield role.
Unai Emery operates a 4-2-3-1 formation, suggesting Yildiz would be right at home on the left or the centre of the attacking midfield trio, with only his lack of experience outside Italy – and lack of experience generally – counting against him.
Upgrade? (3/5): Plenty of contenders for his roles
Yildiz would certainly be aiming for more minutes than Jaden Philogene, the only recognised left-winger at the club, who cannot get into the team ahead of Morgan Rogers, an attacking midfielder who is in good form.
The young Turk would also have to contend with Jacob Ramsey in the centre, and John McGinn and Youri Tielemans who are often trusted to push up from more central roles.
Logic (3/5): Villa need extra firepower
Despite their options and solid start to the UEFA Champions League season, the extra workload has been catching up with Villa of late, and it certainly makes sense for them to be looking at players of Yildiz's calibre.
For Yildiz, he may be better persuaded by a team who qualifies for the Champions League more regularly, where his role will be clearly defined.
Whisper+ verdict: 14/25
The local paper may be trying to make something out of nothing, but Yildiz is the young, hungry player that Villa will hope to attract. With so many league rivals ahead of them on this deal, though, we cannot see this going far.
