Liverpool have joined the race to sign Serie A wonderkid – Report | OneFootball

Liverpool Step Up Interest in Kenan Yildiz After Scouting Trip

Liverpool’s transfer department appears to be moving early ahead of the next window, with reports from Turkish Football claiming the club have now formally joined the race to sign Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz.

The 20-year-old is quickly becoming one of Europe’s most talked-about young attackers and his recent international performance seems to have pushed Liverpool into action. Representatives from the club reportedly attended Turkey’s World Cup qualifier in Bulgaria, where Yildiz scored twice in a stunning 6-1 victory. That display has solidified Liverpool’s intent to monitor him closely across the season.

Sources suggest preliminary enquiries have already been made to the player’s camp, although Liverpool are not alone in their pursuit. Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are among the other clubs credited with interest, signalling the start of what could develop into one of the headline transfer battles of 2026.

Photo: IMAGO

Transfer Strategy Stays Aggressive

The Premier League champions spent heavily in summer, breaking the British transfer record twice to bring in Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak. Despite that investment, there is no intention of slowing down. Arne Slot’s side began the campaign with five wins but three successive defeats have served as a sharp reminder of how quickly fortunes can change at the top of English football.

While Liverpool have far from abandoned their current ambitions, thoughts are evidently turning toward long-term squad planning. With eight goals already this season for club and country, Yildiz fits the exact profile of recruitment Liverpool have targeted in recent years: young, technically gifted and capable of rapid growth.

Planning for Life After Mohamed Salah

There is a larger strategic angle to this development. “It is important that Liverpool continue to keep their eye on young talented forwards, as they will eventually have to find a player capable enough of filling Mohamed Salah’s shoes when he decides to leave the club, as he approaches the twilight years of his career.”

Those words feel less like speculation and more like an admission of reality. Salah remains at the peak of his powers but forward planning has always been a strength at Anfield. Replacing such a relentless goalscorer will require either one generational signing or a collective refresh across the front line. Yildiz, who plays across the attacking positions and combines flair with work rate, could be moulded into that successor over time rather than thrown into immediate expectation.

Competition Will Be Fierce

Interest from Premier League rivals will force Liverpool to act decisively if they want to take control of this race. Juventus are unlikely to resist a major offer if multiple sides are involved, especially given their track record of selling high when value peaks. Much will depend on whether Yildiz sees a clear pathway to regular minutes, something Liverpool could realistically provide given Slot’s willingness to trust young talent.

Credit must go to Turkish Football for bringing this developing story to wider attention. If Liverpool choose to accelerate their efforts, this could become one of the defining transfer narratives to follow across the season.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This is exactly the kind of link we want to see. Kenan Yildiz scoring twice for Turkey while Liverpool scouts are in the stands? You can almost feel the excitement bubbling already. Young, hungry and versatile, he ticks every box supporters love. He is not another big-name superstar coming in at his peak, he is someone who could grow into a monster at Anfield.

The idea of Liverpool beating Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea to one of Europe’s brightest prospects makes it even sweeter. This is how title-winning sides stay ahead, not by waiting until decline hits but by preparing two seasons ahead. Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak and potentially Yildiz leading the line within the next couple of years? That is a frightening attack for any defence in Europe.

Yes, Salah is still delivering but eventually there must be a plan for what comes next. If Yildiz is seen as part of that next generation, supporters will back it completely. Make no mistake, if Liverpool are truly serious, fans will be watching every Juventus and Turkey game from now on just to get a taste of what might be coming.