Juventus prepare for winter transfer as Yildiz targets December return

Juventus have identified a January target as they begin planning for the next transfer window, while Kenan Yildiz is nearing a return from injury.

Juventus are targeting next month’s game against Monza for the Turkish winger’s return.

Tuttosport reported that the 21-year-old will soon resume individual training at the Continassa.

His workload is expected to increase gradually, but he won’t be ready immediately after the international break.

Yildiz has been out of action since August 10, a big blow Luciano Spalletti has never used as an excuse. 

The attacker also confirmed that he’ll be back “in December” while collecting the Bulgarelli Number 8 award in Bologna on Monday.

According to reports, he is likely to return on Monday 14 December, when Monza visit the Allianz Stadium. Juve will also be hoping he can make the squad sooner, but won’t rush him as a precaution.

They will want him sooner for either the home game against Udinese on 6 December or the Europa League trip to face Hapoel Be’er Sheva in Bucharest four days later.

Speaking, Yildiz said he feels good and hopes to be playing again soon. 

 “I miss Juventus so much. I miss the feeling of playing football.”

Fabio Capello, who presented the award, also had high praise for him, calling Yildiz “the Lamine Yamal of Italy”.

Meanwhile, Juventus have added Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde to their list of January targets.

They could face competition from AS Roma for the left-back who has found game time hard to come by at Barcelona.

 TuttoMercatoWeb reported that the Catalan club is open to selling the 23-year-old in the winter window to raise funds for a new center-back, which is Hansi Flick’s top priority for the second half of the season.

Roma have established themselves as genuine title contenders, having remained unbeaten after 11 games and two points off the top.

Sporting director Tony D’Amico wants to strengthen Gian Piero Gasperini’s squad in January, and Gasperini appears to favor a move for the Spain international.

A deal won’t be easy as Balde’s valuation is high and so are his wages. Roma would therefore need to find the right formula. One option could be a loan with an obligation to buy, possibly linked to Champions League qualification.