Barcelona came close to signing 20-year-old rising star in 2022; could be an option again

Kenan Yildiz made a big impression at the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup in the USA before Juventus’ elimination at the hands of Real Madrid in the Round of 16.

The 20-year-old prodigy scored three and assisted two goals from four appearances, making it clear as to why he is rated so highly in European football.

Now, it has emerged that Yildiz has been on Barcelona’s radar for quite some time.

Barcelona nearly signed Yildiz in 2022

Indeed, according to journalist Albert Fernandez, Barcelona nearly signed Yildiz back in 2022 when he was still at Bayern Munich, but Juventus beat them to the punch.

Since signing for the Italian giants three years ago, the Turkish wonderkid has racked up 84 senior appearances, in which he has 16 goals and ten assists.

A versatile player, Yildiz is capable of playing anywhere in the final third of the pitch – including the left flank – an area where Barcelona are looking for reinforcements this summer.

Can Yildiz be an option again?

Since his near-move to Barcelona in 2022 before signing for Juventus, Yildiz has seen his stock rise and is now regarded as one of the most talented young footballers in Europe.

As such, even though he has been on Barça’s radar for a number of years, signing him this summer would be difficult as Juventus would be reluctant to sell, and his transfer fee is also likely to be high.

However, one aspect that could work in the Blaugrana’s favour is that Juve remain interested in Ronald Araujo.

Having come close to signing the Barcelona second captain in January, the Bianconeri are still keen on the defender. The La Liga champions can leverage that interest to negotiate a deal for Yildiz should they decide to go down that route again.