'They love him': Journalist explains truth behind Liverpool's reported interest in Juventus star Kenan Yildiz

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Exclusive with Graeme Bailey.Liverpool are expecting reported transfer target Kenan Yildiz to sign a new contract and remain at Juventus, Rousing The Kop understands.The Reds have been credited with an active interest in Yildiz having watched him shine for Turkey during the recent World Cup qualifiers.And while RTK understands Liverpool do hold a long-standing admiration for the 20-year-old, that is unlikely to result in a move to Anfield as things stand.Yildiz has emerged as a key man for Juventus over the past 18 months, and the Bianconeri are understood to be keen on building their team around the forward.As a result, a new contract is being readied for Yildiz, with Liverpool fully expecting the 20-year-old to commit his future to Juve.Should that commitment fail to arrive, however, Liverpool could be ready to step in.Photo by sportinfoto/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty ImagesLiverpool do not expect Kenan Yildiz to become availableNews that Liverpool have been actively watching Yildiz has begun to cause excitement within the Reds fanbase.However, according to journalist Graeme Bailey, supporters should not jump the gun too early.READ MORE: Liverpool insiders are all saying the same thing about Antoine Semenyo behind closed doorsSpeaking exclusively to RTK, Bailey says the current likelihood is that Yildiz will sign on and become the star player at Juventus, leaving Liverpool – and others across Europe – disappointed.“He’s one who Juve are trying to build a new team around now and they have made that clear to him,” says the transfer expert.“Liverpool have known about him for an awful long time and they love him, but so does every other top club. “If he came on the market he might be an option for them, there’s a historic interest in him, but the expectation is that he will sign a new deal at Juve.”When does Kenan Yildiz’s Juventus contract expire?Despite his young age, Yildiz has quickly become crucial to Igor Tudor at Juventus, with the Italian giants eager to reward his progress.The Turkey international only signed a new deal in August 2024, but has since taken further steps as one of the team’s leading players.His current contract will see him through until 2029, meaning Liverpool would have to pay a premium on any transfer fee in 2026.Juventus plan on giving Yildiz a significant pay rise, with a deal until 2030 potentially being on the cards in Turin.Liverpool will wait in the wings in case of a stumble but, for the time being, that is not expected to occur.