Liverpool Eye £34m Rising Star Kenan Yildiz as Potential Successor to Mohamed Salah

The summer of 2025 promises to be one of transformation for Liverpool, with changes on the horizon that could reshape the team. Central to this narrative is the potential departure of Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s star forward, whose contract expires at the season’s end. After nearly a year of interest from Saudi Arabian clubs, it seems likely the Egyptian may embark on a new journey in the Middle East. If Salah leaves, the club faces the challenging task of finding a replacement worthy of filling his boots – and Juventus’ young star Kenan Yildiz is among the contenders for this critical role.

Liverpool’s Transfer Strategy: A Focus on Youth

As per Caught Offside, Liverpool’s interest in Kenan Yildiz aligns with their recent focus on young talent. The 19-year-old Turkish international has attracted attention across Europe, with Premier League rivals Arsenal also reportedly interested in his services. Known for his pace, technical ability, and vision, Yildiz represents the calibre of player who could bring fresh energy to Liverpool’s attack, provided the Reds can negotiate with Juventus.

Yildiz burst onto the scene at Juventus last season, making history as the fastest non-Italian player to score for the club. His rapid rise has been remarkable, with Serie A and European fans alike recognising his potential. Liverpool’s investment in youth could help mitigate the impact of Salah’s departure by focusing on a long-term replacement who can develop at Anfield under Arne Slot’s guidance.

Caught Offside reports that Liverpool have been eyeing Yildiz for some time, with sources suggesting that Juventus might entertain an offer around £34 million for the young winger. The move would be a strategic investment, considering Yildiz’s growth potential and ability to adapt to the Premier League’s demands. Although Arsenal poses a threat to Liverpool’s plans, the Reds’ proposition might be more appealing if Yildiz wants a regular starting position.

Why Yildiz Is Not Yet at Salah’s Level

Replacing Salah is far from an easy feat. The Liverpool forward remains a defining force in European football, with a stellar record this season of eight goals and seven assists in 13 games. His contribution to Liverpool over the years has cemented his place as a modern-day club legend, and he’s undoubtedly in high demand.

Yildiz, on the other hand, is still finding his footing on the professional stage. This season, he has recorded three goals and two assists over 12 matches. While his numbers are promising, they illustrate a gap in experience and impact compared to Salah. Juventus has nurtured Yildiz’s raw talent, but Premier League fans may question if Liverpool should place such significant responsibility on his young shoulders.

Given Salah’s unique playing style and his game-defining moments, Liverpool will struggle to find a like-for-like replacement. Yildiz’s potential lies in his agility, technical skills, and ability to read the game. However, he is unlikely to match Salah’s proficiency in front of goal or replicate his commanding presence on the pitch right away. This makes Liverpool’s interest in the Turkish winger both exciting and cautious – while Yildiz has undeniable potential, fans and critics alike are wary of the risk involved.

The Future of Liverpool’s Attack: A Tactical Shift Under Arne Slot?

Arne Slot’s appointment as Liverpool manager this summer was seen as a bold choice, and his tactical acumen has started to shape a new vision for the team. Known for his dynamic style, Slot has focused on a high-pressing, fluid attacking strategy that could benefit a young talent like Yildiz. Slot’s approach could allow the Turkish starlet to adapt at a comfortable pace without overwhelming him with Salah’s expectations right away.

Adding Yildiz to the line-up would offer flexibility, enabling Liverpool to explore more attacking combinations. His introduction to the side could signify a gradual rebuild, with other seasoned players providing the stability he needs. However, Liverpool may face challenges if both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk also decide to move abroad. Losing three key players within such a short period would require significant adjustments in Liverpool’s defensive and offensive units.

While Yildiz could thrive in this new Liverpool era, fans may reasonably wonder if the club should prioritise a more established replacement for Salah, someone who can seamlessly transition into the forward line. The allure of signing a “wonderkid” can’t overshadow the immediate demands of Premier League football – Liverpool’s pursuit of trophies and top-four finishes demands a balanced approach to talent acquisition.

Is Yildiz Worth the £34m Price Tag?

Liverpool’s interest in Yildiz at £34 million underscores their commitment to investing in youth. With this price tag, the Turkish winger would become one of the club’s most significant young investments in recent years. His versatility, speed, and creativity align with the attributes Liverpool values in its forwards. However, there remains a question of whether Yildiz can withstand the intensity and expectations of playing at Anfield, particularly when compared to Salah.

The investment in Yildiz could either be a testament to Liverpool’s forward-thinking recruitment strategy or a costly gamble if he does not adapt quickly. However, with Arsenal lurking in the background, Liverpool may feel compelled to act fast, especially as the Premier League continues to intensify with top clubs vying for emerging talents.

Statistical Analysis by Anfield Index: Kenan Yildiz Performance Data and Stats

As Liverpool fans ponder potential successors to Mohamed Salah, Juventus’ Kenan Yildiz emerges as an intriguing option. Examining his performance data from Fbref, we see a well-rounded player with strengths across several key areas. Here, we break down Yildiz’s statistics to understand what he could bring to Anfield.

Possession Skills Shine

Kenan Yildiz’s possession stats highlight his strong ability to advance the ball. He ranks impressively in progressive carries (66th percentile) and progressive passes received (65th percentile), reflecting his capacity to drive forward and link play effectively. Yildiz’s pass completion rate of 86% also suggests a technical proficiency and reliable ball retention in Juventus’ possession-focused game.

However, his shot-creating actions remain relatively low at the 30th percentile, indicating an area where he may need to develop further if he’s to fill Salah’s shoes. The data suggests that while he can maintain possession and progress play, Yildiz has yet to develop the incisive creativity of a top-class playmaker.

Defensive Contribution Impressive

An unexpected strength in Yildiz’s profile is his defensive contribution, particularly for a player in an attacking role. The winger ranks in the 99th percentile for the percentage of dribblers tackled, showcasing his willingness to track back and disrupt opposition play. His percentile rankings in blocks (43) and clearances (39) further reinforce his defensive work rate, a quality that could be valuable in Liverpool’s high-pressing system under Arne Slot.

Potential as an Attacking Threat

While Yildiz shows promise in possession and defensive metrics, his attacking stats are moderate. His expected assisted goals (xAG) and non-penalty expected goals (npxG) are low, at 3 and 5 percentiles respectively, which may raise concerns for Liverpool fans expecting an immediate impact. However, with time and experience, Yildiz could evolve into a more potent threat.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

For Liverpool supporters, the potential acquisition of Kenan Yildiz is intriguing yet raises questions. Is Liverpool prepared to pass on a seasoned replacement in favour of a young, relatively untested player? While Yildiz possesses tremendous potential, the Premier League is no place for gradual development if instant results are required. Salah has been integral to Liverpool’s identity for years, and the pressure to maintain that standard is immense.

Arne Slot’s system could indeed allow Yildiz to evolve and flourish, yet many fans will argue for a more experienced forward who can match Salah’s influence from day one. Given Liverpool’s ambitions, supporters may feel that the focus should be on bringing in someone with Premier League or Champions League experience. For now, the idea of signing Yildiz is an exciting prospect, but one that comes with legitimate concerns.

If Liverpool opts to finalise the £34 million deal for Yildiz, fans may see it as a signal of the club’s belief in their developmental approach under Slot. However, to genuinely replace Salah, Liverpool might need both immediate impact and long-term potential – a dual strategy that could safeguard the club’s continued success in the top flight.