Branchini links Kenan Yildiz to Real Madrid after the Juventus forward’s Bernabéu showcase, citing Xabi Alonso’s admiration and a 100 million euros valuation, with context on fit, tactics, and market dynamics.
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Giovanni Branchini, a well-known Italian football agent, said in a recent interview with TMZ that, after Arda Güler, Kenan Yildiz could be another Turkish prospect heading to Real Madrid.
The comments reignited speculation around one of Europe’s most dynamic young attackers and drew a direct line between Juventus’ emerging star and the Spanish champions’ long-term planning.
The immediate trigger for the renewed buzz was Yildiz’s start in Juventus’ 1-0 defeat to Real Madrid at the Bernabéu in the Champions League on Wednesday. Playing in one of the most intimidating venues in world football, the 20-year-old again showcased the blend of technique, flair, and tactical discipline that has accelerated his rise. Branchini added that Xabi Alonso, head coach of the Merengues, is a strong admirer of the Turkey international, who already has 25 senior caps. According to the agent, Juventus have set an asking price around 100 million euros and Alonso would be prepared to reshape parts of his squad to accommodate the youngster, with the clear exception of Kylian Mbappé.
Those remarks align with public hints from Alonso himself. Before the Juventus clash, the coach praised Yildiz’s development, noting familiarity from their time linked through Bayern’s academy setup, the club where Alonso concluded his playing career in 2017. The message from Madrid’s bench was straightforward. Juventus possess several high-level performers and Yildiz stands among them. His progress over the last two seasons has been notable, and seeing him take each new step has been gratifying. Yildiz, for his part, framed the Bernabéu appearance as a dream opportunity.
Since joining Juventus in 2022 after formative years at Bayern, Yildiz’s trajectory has moved steadily upward. This season he has two goals and four assists in ten appearances, production that only tells part of the story. Coaches trust him to carry the ball through pressure, receive between the lines, and break defensive structures with quick combinations or a sudden dribble. He has also been nominated for the 2025 Golden Boy award, a recognition given to Europe’s best under-21 footballer, with the trophy to be presented in December by the Italian newspaper Tuttosport.
The reported 100 million euros valuation reflects a broader market reality for elite attacking profiles under the age of 21. Clubs across Europe are willing to pay premiums for players who can contribute now and potentially anchor a project for the next decade. In Yildiz’s case, that premium is grounded in versatility. He can operate as an inverted winger off the left, a right-sided attacker who cuts inside, or a second striker floating around a central reference point. He combines a strong first touch with a knack for shifting gears on the dribble and can release early passes that spring quick transitions. His shot selection continues to mature. The timing of his runs into the box, particularly from the weak side, has created several high-value chances.
For Real Madrid, a move for Yildiz would fit a pattern. The club has consistently targeted high-ceiling talent early, betting on internal development around a world-class core. The arrivals of players like Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Jude Bellingham exemplify an approach that blends present competitiveness with future-proofing. Arda Güler’s signing added a Turkish jewel to that collection. Yildiz, while stylistically different, would deepen the pool of creative and goal-dangerous options across the front line.
Tactically, the fit under Alonso is intriguing. Madrid under his guidance prioritize compact spacing without the ball and fluid rotations with it. Attacking midfielders and wide forwards are expected to solve problems in tight spaces and press intelligently on the first trigger. Yildiz’s pressing effort and ability to close passing lanes make him a good candidate to execute those responsibilities. In possession, his appreciation for third-man runs and one-touch layoffs would complement Bellingham’s surges from midfield and the channel runs of forwards who attack the space behind the defensive line.
Competition for minutes would be intense. Rodrygo, Vinícius, Mbappé, Brahim Díaz, Endrick, and Güler populate an elite attacking group. Yet Madrid have managed squad depth by rotating roles and leveraging a demanding calendar across La Liga, the Champions League, and domestic cups. A player who can cover either wing and central pockets provides strategic cover against injuries and offers tactical wrinkles against varied opponents. Yildiz’s ability to attack from the half-spaces and combine with overlapping full-backs also suits Madrid’s frequent overload patterns on the flanks.
From Juventus’ perspective, the calculus is equally complex. The club is rebuilding a competitive identity with a mix of seasoned performers and young talents. Selling a rising star is never easy, but Italian clubs have often balanced sporting ambition with economic pragmatism. A nine-figure fee can fund multiple reinforcements or address financial targets, while Juventus weigh the value of keeping a potential future talisman. The decision ultimately hinges on technical plans, the player’s wishes, and the exact structure of any offer, including fixed fees, performance bonuses, and future sell-on clauses.
There is also a national-team angle. Turkey has entered a period of genuine promise, with a cluster of gifted young players gaining minutes at major European clubs. Arda Güler’s presence at Madrid already symbolizes that rise. Adding Yildiz to the same dressing room would deepen the connection and could positively influence the player’s development through daily training standards. The leadership environment, competition level, and exposure to high-pressure matches at Madrid are known accelerants for players on the cusp of the elite bracket.
Market precedent supports the notion that top clubs will stretch for a player with Yildiz’s profile if they believe in his ceiling. In recent windows, fees for young forwards with versatile skill sets and strong underlying metrics have trended upward. The risk for the buying club lies in opportunity cost and positional congestion. The upside lies in securing a cornerstone attacker for years. For the selling club, it is a question of timing the market and balancing short-term competitiveness with long-term financial health.
What remains constant is the core of Branchini’s claim. Interest from Madrid is real in sporting terms, the valuation is substantial, and the player’s trajectory justifies serious conversation. Whether that conversation evolves into formal negotiations will depend on Juventus’ stance, the player’s priorities, and Madrid’s internal assessment of squad needs relative to other targets.
For now, Yildiz continues to build his résumé. The statistical snapshot is encouraging, his influence on matches is growing, and his decision-making in the final third shows steady refinement. If he maintains this curve through the winter, speculation will only intensify. And if a club with Madrid’s track record and financial power decides he is the next piece, the summer market could deliver another marquee storyline connecting Turin and the Spanish capital.
