Juventus’ push to renew the Kenan Yildiz contract could face an awkward subplot after Luciano Spalletti played down talk of a new deal for himself.
Yildiz wants ambition assurances ahead of new contract as Juve lean on Spalletti
As FootItalia has reported, Juve are hoping to match Yildiz’s aspirations in order to get a new deal over the line.
The Turkiye international wants his salary to reflect his status, but he also wants assurances regarding Juventus’ ambitions.
As a result, Juve are reportedly working on getting Spalletti to also commit his future to the club.
The Italian coach replaced Igor Tudor in October, but his contract only runs until the end of the 2025/26 season.
Italian reports suggested Juventus could aim to keep Spalletti in place until 2028 in pursuit of stability and a clear playing identity.
Spalletti downplays contract talk and sets Champions League target
However, on the subject of his own future, Spalletti made it clear he is not seeking immediate security through a longer contract.
“If I had needed something else to feel more secure with a longer contract, I would have addressed it from the start when I spoke with Comolli,” he told reporters ahead of the Lecce game.
“I didn’t, and I’m fine in every aspect. I only need to feel good about my work and about the people who collaborate with me on and off the pitch.
“I’ve found extremely professional people who respect the roles and the work that has to be done. We share the same objectives.
“The goal is to be in the Champions League, and we’re working in that direction.
“In June, we’ll make the best evaluations based on the work we’ve done, for the good of Juventus and Juventus fans.
“If things are satisfactory for everyone, then we can talk about something different. Right now, I don’t need anything else.”
Sofascore U21 team of the year includes Kenan Yildiz. #Juventus pic.twitter.com/KqH6sEOmJ3
— Juventus News Live (@juvenewslive) January 2, 2026
Spalletti’s words may be pragmatic, but they go against the idea of a swift extension being a pillar of Juventus’ pitch to Yildiz.
If Yildiz’s camp are looking for bold guarantees and a trophy-level plan, ‘evaluating in June’ can sound like a pause button.
Until the messaging aligns, Juventus risk leaving a small opening for rivals to pounce – exactly the kind they have been trying to close.
In other Bianconeri news, Juventus have announced Marco Ottolini’s appointment as sporting director.
