Juventus overtake Barcelona in race to sign Bayern Munich starlet – Fabrizio Romano | OneFootball

Kenan Yildiz is widely regarded as one of the most gifted players in the Bayern Munich youth ranks, having enjoyed a swift rise to prominence in recent years.

An attacking midfielder by trade, the teenage sensation was involved in five goals in eight matches in U18 Bundesliga last term.

His tally of four goals and five assists in seven U17 Bundesliga matches also caught the attention, ultimately leading to the youngster representing Bayern in the UEFA Youth League.

Although Yildiz had been a part of the Bayern youth setup since 2012, his chapter in Bavaria is set to come to an end this summer, with the youngster looking for pastures new.

It appears the playmaker is keen on making a breakthrough into professional football, knowing achieving the same could be next to impossible at Bayern.

Barcelona had appeared as the likely suitor for Yildiz, but according to Fabrizio Romano, Juventus have now emerged as the frontrunner in the race to sign the 17-year-old.

The reliable Italian journalist suggests Juventus are closing in on the capture of Yildiz, who could depart Bayern on a free transfer after spending a decade in Bavaria. Although Bayern were more than willing to keep him at the club, the player refused to sign a contract extension.

Yildiz’s potential move to Juventus could serve as a massive blow for Barcelona as the 17-year-old is regarded as one of the most gifted young players in Germany.

Although the Catalans have brought in the highly-talented Pablo Torre this summer, the further addition of someone like Kenan Yildiz could have added great depth to the club’s youth ranks, offering Xavi multiple options at his disposal.