Report: Two Serie A stars on Liverpool’s radar to replace Salah | OneFootball

Report: Two Serie A stars on Liverpool’s radar to replace Salah | OneFootball

In partnership with

Yahoo sports
Icon: Anfield Index

Anfield Index

·22 April 2026

Report: Two Serie A stars on Liverpool’s radar to replace Salah

Article image:Report: Two Serie A stars on Liverpool’s radar to replace Salah

Rising Star Status in Turin

Kenan Yildiz has become the name echoing across Europe’s elite scouting departments, a forward whose blend of imagination and incision marks him out as a modern attacking reference point. At just 20, the Juventus prodigy is already being framed as the heir to Alessandro Del Piero, not simply in style but in symbolic weight.

According to the original source SportsBoom, Juventus have gone beyond admiration and moved into outright protectionism. The club has labelled Yildiz “unsellable”, a term that carries both emotional and financial implications. His contract renewal in February 2026 underlined that intent, positioning him as both “leader and symbol” of the team.


OneFootball Videos


There is a sense in Turin that Yildiz is not just another asset, but a cornerstone of a longer project. Juventus are not building around him in theory, they are doing so in practice. His technical maturity, coupled with a growing influence in high-pressure matches, has elevated his standing from prospect to protagonist.

Article image:Report: Two Serie A stars on Liverpool’s radar to replace Salah

Transfer Valuation and Juventus Strategy

Interest, however, rarely respects sentiment. Juventus’ stance has been tested by Europe’s wealthiest clubs, particularly from the Premier League, where the appetite for elite young talent shows no sign of slowing.

The original source makes it clear that Juventus have drawn a line in the sand. Any approach would need to exceed €100 million, with figures closer to €120 million described as potentially “changing football history”. That is not posturing, it is strategy. By inflating the price beyond market norms, Juventus are discouraging suitors while reinforcing Yildiz’s importance internally.

Manchester United have already positioned themselves at the front of the queue. Reports suggest a package in the region of €90 million is being prepared, though Juventus have deemed that “insufficient”. It reflects a broader trend at Old Trafford, where recruitment is increasingly focused on players capable of becoming the face of a new era.

Liverpool, meanwhile, are watching closely, calculating rather than rushing. Their interest is tied to succession planning, particularly in the search for a creative leader who can carry the attack into its next phase. Yildiz fits that profile with precision.

Liverpool Interest and Tactical Fit

Liverpool’s approach tends to be measured, and this situation is no different. Rather than engaging in a bidding war outright, there are indications of a more nuanced strategy, potentially involving player exchanges alongside cash.

From a tactical perspective, Yildiz would offer Liverpool a fluid attacking option. He operates between lines, drifts wide when needed, and carries the kind of improvisational quality that can unlock compact defences. In a system that values intensity and positional intelligence, his adaptability would be a natural fit.

The original source notes that Liverpool are exploring solutions involving both financial and structural creativity. While Juventus teammate Francisco Conceicao has also been linked as a possible option, Yildiz remains the standout target in terms of long-term impact.

There is also the broader question of identity. Liverpool have historically thrived when anchored by players who combine flair with resilience. Yildiz’s game suggests he could develop into that figure, though the financial barrier remains formidable.

Man Utd Push for Statement Signing

Manchester United’s interest feels more immediate, more urgent. In a period of transition, the club is seeking a player who can redefine its attacking identity. Yildiz has been identified as that potential figurehead.

Their willingness to approach the €90 million mark signals intent, but also exposes the gap between valuation and reality. Juventus are not negotiating from a position of weakness, and their rejection of initial figures reinforces that.

For United, the pursuit of Yildiz is about more than recruitment. It is about signalling ambition, about demonstrating that they can still compete for the game’s most coveted young talents. Whether that ambition translates into a successful deal remains uncertain.

What is clear is that Yildiz has already entered the upper tier of transfer discourse. His name is now mentioned alongside the most valuable prospects in world football, and his future will be shaped by decisions that extend beyond the pitch.

Juventus may insist he is untouchable, but in modern football, every stance is tested eventually. For Liverpool and Manchester United, the question is not just whether they can afford Yildiz, but whether they can convince Juventus to even begin a conversation.

View publisher imprint