Hector Peris Ros, the agent of Juventus talent Kenan Yildiz, spoke about the advice received from Alessandro Del Piero and his client’s desire to shine in Turin.
The 18-year-old Turkish forward broke into Massimiliano Allegri’s squad this season, making seven appearances in Serie A after being promoted from the Next Gen squad. He scored his debut goal in the recent 2-1 win over Frosinone.
Yildiz is now one of the hottest young talents in Serie A and he’s already broken into the Turkey national team, scoring in a friendly against Germany and providing an assist in a 1-1 draw with Wales in a Euro 2024 qualifier.
Speaking to Tuttosport, Peris Ros first discussed Yildiz’s initial move to Juventus from Bayern Munich in July 2022.
“Matteo Tognozzi did an exceptional job, it is thanks to him that Yildiz is at Juventus today. He knew him perfectly.
“When he got the information, he didn’t waste time, even though Juve were closing in those days the sale of De Ligt to Bayern Munich. It was a moment of tension, but Juventus won with their project.”
He spoke about the project in Turin.
“We started talking with Juventus as soon as I practically met Yildiz. In the past we were close to closing for Ferrán Torres, so at that moment we thought the right time had come to collaborate. In exchange, we asked that he could play immediately in the Next Gen squad.”
The agent explained why his client initially started out in the Primavera squad.
“Juventus preferred to let him settle in, the club insisted a lot, because it was the first time that Kenan left home. It was only supposed to be an initial stage. Then months passed and all of us, including the player, believed that he was expressing himself in a stage not sufficiently competitive.
“So, there were moments of tension, also linked to the uncertainty of leaving for the training camp with the first team. In that phase we exerted strong pressure on the club, but the internal confusion due to the change of management passed, everything was resolved. We clearly knew Yildiz’s level.”
Peris Ros commented on the teenager’s goal against Frosinone.
“He came here to score goals like this, but above all to triumph, to win titles and the Champions League, I imagine him here in 10 years. If Juventus want a number 10, Yildiz is the number 10, this is his role, he is a boy who makes you fall in love.
“He is a perfect combination between the creativity of his Turkish father who is a great example for him and the discipline of his German mother, he knows perfectly what he wants.”
The agent spoke about some advice Yildiz received from Del Piero.
“The two of them have been in direct contact for some time now, they even spoke after the goal in Frosinone that Yildiz had attempted many times in training. Kenan knows Del Piero’s value at Juventus and has listened to his advice, imagine and dream of a path like that.
“The truth is that Yildiz was ready, is ready and will be ready, physically, technically and mentally. He has been preparing since he was little to become a top player.”
He discussed the Turkish teenager’s relationship with Allegri.
“We know that it is not easy in Italy to play with young players, especially at Juventus. But the coach is very intelligent, their relationship is excellent. Allegri knows the value of the boy, who feels a strong connection with the coach.
“Also, with Montella the relationship is very good. He didn’t expect to start against Germany and he certainly didn’t imagine playing first with the Turkish national team as a starter and then with Juventus, but it definitely went well.”
Finally, Peris Ros discussed Yildiz’s chances of winning the Golden Boy award.
“Kenan is electric, he has goals and imagination, he potentially has the depth of Pedri. I am convinced that he will have space in Juventus, and I am 100% certain that a player with his qualities can win the Golden Boy in the future.
“I have no doubts it’s certainly an individual award which he can fight for, already in 2024. Juventus are aware of having a player of absolute level.
“I spoke in recent days with a big club, who expressed to me their difficulty in finding top level talent who can become future leaders. Well, Kenan already is.”