Fabio Paratici must be casting a watchful glance over the ongoings at Juventus, with a potential contract dispute playing out between club and its most prized asset, Kenan Yıldız.
Paratici's return to the club in an official capacity in the summer has some of us dreaming that Turkish sensation Yıldız could emerge as a legitimate target for Tottenham, thanks to the director's connections with the Bianconeri.
Paratici turned to his former club to appease Antonio Conte midway though the 2021/22 season, helping the club acquire Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur. However, Juve will be far less willing to part ways with Yıldız, even if they're unable to reach an agreement with the 20-year-old over a new deal.
Kenan Yıldız contract dispute opens door for hopeful Tottenham
Yıldız's contract in Turin doesn't expire until 2029, but there's a recognition on behalf of both sides that the winger is deserving of a reworked deal.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport (via Forza Juventus on X), Yıldız currently earns â¬1.5m a year with the Old Lady, but wants a new deal worth â¬6m a year. As it stands, Juve are willing to offer the 20-year-old â¬5m.
While this wouldn't seem a major issue, other Italian outlets, including Corriere dello Sport (via Forza Juventus on X), write that if no renewal is reached by the time the summer transfer window rolls around, Juve would consider selling Yıldız "for around â¬100m."
The club's need to sell would likely depend on whether they qualify for next season's Champions League, and it's currently hard to gauge whether the Bianconeri are well placed to do so. The appointment of Luciano Spalletti should help, but they entered the international break sixth in Serie A.
Yıldız's breakout over the past 18 months has doubtless been impressive, with his direct running and ferocious ball-striking suggesting that the 20-year-old will enjoy a stellar career at the highest level. Plenty are reportedly interested, and he plays a position that Spurs may look to upgrade via the purchase of a potential superstar next year.
Son Heung-min hasn't yet been adequately replaced, and while Wilson Odobert is developing nicely, Spurs undoubtedly need another option down their left-hand side.
The youthful Yıldız would be a wonderful fit for Thomas Frank's frontline, but it'll likely take some Paratici magic for Spurs to have any chance of pulling such a deal off. The sharks will circle if word gets out of Yıldız discontent, and the Lilywhites must place themselves in the best position possible to land a dream target.