Spalletti on Yildiz’s extension, future at Juventus and use of McKennie | OneFootball

Luciano Spalletti insists he’s in no hurry to discuss his contract extension with Juventus, but Kenan Yildiz’s signing on a new deal marks an ‘important day’ for the future of the club.

Spalletti held a pre-match press conference on Saturday, on the eve of a Serie A match against Lazio.

Before the coach sat down with the media, CEO Damien Comolli and striker Kenan Yildiz took the stage to confirm the striker’s contract extension until 2030.

Yildiz signed the new deal in front of the reporters before Spalletti’s presser.

Spalletti comments on Yildiz’s contract extension

Kenan Yildiz of Juventus and Roma defender Zeki Celik face off in Turin (@officialasroma)

“It’s an important day for the future of Juventus. It’s great to know that Kenan will be part of the team for as many years as possible,” Spalletti said via Ilbianconero.com.

According to reports, Yildiz will become Juventus’ highest earner from 2026-27 if Dusan Vlahovic leaves the club at the end of his contract in June.

Comolli described Yildiz as a ‘leader’ despite his young age.

“First of all, it gives strength to the entire team. The assessments of these champions are based on how much they can connect with the rest of the squad,” Spalletti added.

“That’s how you become stronger. He has this explosive one-on-one ability, putting you in a position of great advantage. Those who have this quality give you a spark to immediately create something important.

“Yildiz is really something special. The fact that he’s very young is part of the culture and the family he comes from. It’s a merit, and you can see that he’s a young man who has received proper guidance. He’s always smiling, joking with everyone. Knowing how to be with people and understand them is an extremely important quality.”

Yildiz was not involved in a 3-0 Coppa Italia loss against Atalanta on Thursday, but will be eligible tomorrow.

“He is available. He trained with the team today,” Spalletti confirmed.

“Conceiçao and Kelly worked separately. We’ll assess them tomorrow.”

Spalletti’s contract expires in June, so does he expect to imitate Yildiz and stay at the club long-term?

“I think it’s better not to put too much pressure on this, as the club must be given time to make assessments,” the coach argued.

TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 12: Juventus FC head coach Luciano Spalletti looks on during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and US Cremonese at Allianz Stadium on January 12, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

“If I’m able to show my worth as Kenan has done, then it will be possible. We are focused on our priority, mine is to prepare well for the matches. Juventus have something to fix, which becomes crucial for the future. They have to discuss expiring contracts. There’s also mine, but I came here with the intention of leaving them the choice.

“I often talk to Elkann, and I feel he’s very close to our proof of strength and our desire to become stronger. With him close, we are even stronger.”

Former Juventus coach Sarri returns to the Allianz Stadium tomorrow.

“You know Sarri and his teams. They know how to play football, and we must be able to adapt to different scenarios in the game,” Spalletti said.

“It’s crucial to read what goes on around us to dominate proceedings, especially against them. Distances and intensity must be in line within the team. You saw Sarri work, and you know his qualities.

“We’ll have to be just as good at being a united team, able to read different moments in the game, because I think they play better than their position in the standings suggests.

“We don’t just play against a team, we play against the whole league and for our future as well,” Spalletti continued.

“Every game belongs to us; it’s always us playing, and we must play our game. It’s not about the opponent; it’s about the mentality and the commitment to play as we want. What is in front of us should not affect us, and we must have a strong mentality. A strong mentality is a voice that says who you are, regardless of the context.”

Jeremie Boga and Emil Holm joined the team in January from OGC Nice and Bologna, respectively.

“They are two strong players who can help us,” Spalletti said.

“Boga knows how to play in different roles, too. He also possesses this pace and sensibility with the ball at his feet. He dribbles opponents, and all these things must be put in a context that works, so it’s easier to adapt him to other roles too.

PARMA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 01: Weston McKennie of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and Juventus FC at Stadio Ennio Tardini on February 01, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“I had followed Holm for some time. He played in Spezia, and my wife comes from there, so I often watched him play for Spezia. He already impressed me back then, and he has continued to improve. He played under Italiano, and he has played in an important team like Bologna.”

McKennie has been one of the standout Juventus performers under Spalletti as the American collected six goals and four assists in 21 appearances.

“The striker creates the space for McKennie,” the coach explained.

“The striker who drops deep to link up with the team gives a numerical advantage and frees up the space. We want to be this kind of team that goes ahead through playing style and movement. A team that perceives what is an advantage and what is a disadvantage. Sometimes we use McKennie in the build-up, other times we use him as a target man because we need to beat the press, and he knows how to do it. Therefore, we use him in different areas.”