Juventus CEO Damien Comolli has acknowledged that the club might be forced into an “unexpected” player sale due to their absence from the Champions League, which will impact finances. However, he firmly stated that young talent Kenan Yildiz will remain in Turin.
With Juventus preparing for the 2026-27 season without Champions League revenue, Comolli admitted to Gazzetta that this financial strain necessitates difficult decisions. “It’s a failure from which I don’t intend to run away,” he stated, expressing personal disappointment but emphasizing that foundations have been laid for the future. He anticipates one more departure, describing it as “unexpected.”
Comolli also addressed the club’s transfer strategy, aiming for a squad with a higher overall level while adhering to financial regulations agreed upon with UEFA. When questioned about the possibility of Kenan Yildiz being the player to be sold, Comolli dismissed the idea emphatically: “Don’t be ridiculous, Kenan is not going anywhere.” He clarified that no capital increase is planned and that transfer market benefits from such an increase wouldn’t be usable immediately.
Regarding manager Luciano Spalletti, whose contract was extended prior to knowing their Champions League status, Comolli addressed reports of a less-than-ideal rapport. He explained that while they are still building their relationship after seven months, they have made joint decisions, including those for past and upcoming transfer windows. Comolli believes a managerial cycle should ideally last between three to five years for proper evaluation.
When asked about Juventus’s ambitions for the upcoming season, Comolli stated their mission is to win the Scudetto but cautioned against arrogance, acknowledging the impact of other teams’ transfer market activities. He also provided an update on Dusan Vlahovic, whose contract has one year remaining. Comolli revealed that Vlahovic assured him he would not leave in the January transfer window, and while Juventus would like to keep their centre-forward, the decision ultimately rests with Vlahovic and his father.
English Translation:
Juventus CEO Damien Comolli has admitted that the Bianconeri must be prepared for an “unexpected” player sale following their failure to qualify for the Champions League, a situation that will negatively impact the club’s finances. However, he firmly reassured that Kenan Yildiz will not be leaving Turin.
“It’s a failure from which I don’t intend to run away,” Comolli told Gazzetta, expressing his personal disappointment. “We have built the foundations for the near future, but the results were not up to expectations. I carry a deep pain inside me, a weight in the pit of my stomach.” He confirmed that the club is anticipating one more transfer out, describing it as “unexpected.”
Comolli also spoke about the goal of raising the overall level of the squad, all while respecting financial parameters agreed with UEFA. When directly asked if Turkish star Yildiz could be the player departing, Comolli dismissed the notion emphatically: “Don’t be ridiculous, Kenan is not going anywhere.” He further clarified that no capital increase is planned, and even if it were, its benefits wouldn’t be immediately usable in the transfer market.
Addressing manager Luciano Spalletti, whose contract was extended in April, Comolli acknowledged that while he and the coach can and must improve their rapport, they have only known each other for seven months and have made decisions together. Comolli also shared his perspective that a cycle in his role should ideally last between three to five years for proper judgment.
Regarding Juventus’s title aspirations for the next season, Comolli stated, “This is our mission. It would be arrogant to say that we will win the title next season.” He emphasized that much will depend on the transfer market activities of other clubs.
Comolli also provided an update on Dusan Vlahovic, who has one year remaining on his contract. He revealed that Vlahovic assured him he would not leave during the January window. Comolli stated, “We would like to continue with our centre-forward, but it depends on Dusan and his father.”