Yildiz extension stalled: Is the door opening for a Bayern return? | OneFootball

FC Bayern and Kenan Yildiz – this story is still not finally told. Three years after leaving Munich on a free transfer, the attacking gem has developed into one of the most exciting youngsters in Europe at Juventus. But although the 20-year-old is set to join the Old Lady, there are many indications that his future is by no means set in stone. Media reports from Italy suggest that Yildiz could become one of the biggest names on the transfer market in the summer of 2026 – and, of course, FC Bayern is back in the picture.

yildiz opted for Juventus in 2022 because he did not see any realistic prospects at Bayern and the club did not want to meet his financial expectations. In Turin, he was given the trust – and paid it back. The Turkish international is one of the defining attacking players, plays on a par with players such as Jamal Musiala and Lamine Yamal and has become an integral part of Turin’s attack.

Despite having a contract until 2029, Juventus want to extend his contract as soon as possible. However, this is precisely where the talks break down. According to Calciomercato, the club and player are far apart. Yildiz is said to be demanding a salary increase to five to six million euros a year – an amount that Juventus are currently unwilling to pay. The youngster currently earns around 1.5 million euros a year.

The most recent meeting between Juventus CEO Damien Comolli and the Yildiz camp ended inconclusively. Officially, both sides appear calm, but according to reports, frustration is growing in the background.

A sale in 2026 suddenly becomes a realistic scenario

photo: IMAGO

For a long time, a departure in the summer of 2026 was considered unrealistic. Juventus wanted to build their future around Yildiz. However, the deadlocked salary dispute has changed the situation. Both sides are now said to be seriously considering whether a sale would be the better solution in the medium term. A transfer fee of 100 million euros is being discussed.

According to information from Calciomercato, the first financially strong interested parties are said to be ready, mainly English clubs.

FC Bayern have also been repeatedly linked with a return for some time. Yildiz is a former home-grown talent who was never given the opportunity to develop in Munich – and the team at Säbener Straße have long regretted letting him go.

Bayern do not currently see an acute need in attack, but that could change by 2026. Nicolas Jackson’s loan contract expires, while Serge Gnabry’s future remains uncertain. The 30-year-old would like to stay, but there is no sign of an agreement in the near future.

So if Yildiz comes onto the market in the summer of 2026, the record champions will definitely look into him. He would be a „prodigal son“ whose return would generate enthusiasm among fans and managers alike – provided the financial conditions are right.

A poker game that is only just beginning

One thing is certain: the situation surrounding Kenan Yildiz is much more open than Juventus had originally planned. The next few months will show whether an agreement can be reached or whether the youngster really will become one of the biggest transfer topics in the summer of 2026.

One thing is certain: the name Yildiz has not been forgotten in Munich. And if he does end up on the market, FC Bayern will take a close look – perhaps with more than just nostalgic interest.