Comolli: ‘Unexpected’ sale of Juventus player but Yildiz ‘not going anywhere’ | OneFootball

Juventus CEO Damien Comolli admits the Bianconeri must be ready for the ‘unexpected’ sale of a player after missing out on the Champions League, but Kenan Yildiz will stay in Turin.

Juventus are preparing for the 2026-27 campaign, during which they’ll be playing in the Europa League.

The lack of Champions League football will negatively affect the club’s finances, forcing the Bianconeri to sell one of their top players.

“It’s a failure from which I don’t intend to run away,” Comolli told Gazzetta.

“We have built the foundations for the near future, but the results were not up to expectations. I carry a deep pain inside me, a weight in the pit of my stomach.

“We are expecting one more transfer out. I’d say an unexpected one,” Comolli admitted.

TURIN, ITALY – MAY 17: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus FC during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and ACF Fiorentina at Allianz Stadium on May 17, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Chris Ricco/Getty Images)

“But we are also expecting a squad with a higher overall level, all against the backdrop of financial parameters that must be respected once an agreement with Nyon [UEFA] has been reached.”

When asked whether Turkish star Yildiz could be the star leaving the Allianz Stadium, Comolli firmly replied: “Don’t be ridiculous, Kenan is not going anywhere.”

“No capital increase is planned and, in any case, we would not have been able to use its benefits in the transfer market,” added Comolli.

“Spalletti knows and understands the situation, and we’ll have to operate this framework, but this doesn’t mean we won’t build a Juventus capable of finishing ahead of the others.”

Spalletti extended his contract with Juventus in April, way before knowing whether the Bianconeri would qualify for the Champions League.

According to several sources, however, the rapport between the coach and Comolli is far from ideal.

“I wanted to get Luciano and, alongside Giorgio [Chiellini], we gave him a two-year extension when there was still some time left before the end of the season,” Comolli explained.

“I read and hear all sorts of things. Luciano and I can and must improve our rapport, but we’ve known each other for just seven months, and during this time we have made decisions together, including those for the January window and this summer.”

Comolli has just ended his first season at Juventus, having joined the club as General Manager last summer and was then promoted to CEO in November.

“I believe a cycle should last between three and five years in order to be judged,” said the French director.

“A cycle for someone in a role like mine. That doesn’t mean I’ll stay for three or five seasons, nor that we shouldn’t win sooner. It’s simply my reflection.”

SASSUOLO, ITALY – JANUARY 06: (L-R) Francois Modesto, Juventus Technical Director, Marco Ottolini, Sporting Director of Juventus and Damien Comolli, General Manager of Juventus talk prior to the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Juventus FC at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on January 06, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Will Juventus aim to win the Scudetto next season?

“This is our mission. It would be arrogant to say that we will win the title next season,” Comolli replied.

“Much will depend on what the other teams do in the summer transfer market and how.”

Inevitably, Comolli also provided an update on the future of Dusan Vlahovic, who has only one year left on his contract at the Allianz Stadium.

“At Christmas, he and I shut ourselves in a room, and he assured me he wouldn’t move during the January window. That’s exactly what happened,” Comolli said.

“We would like to continue with our centre-forward, but it depends on Dusan and his father.”