Despite the intense media speculation surrounding a potential €120 million move for Victor Osimhen, reports from Istanbul suggest that Juventus has fixed its sights on a different Galatasaray standout. Following the dramatic Champions League playoff encounter in Turin, veteran reporter Ali Naci Küçük clarified that the “Old Lady” is actually prioritizing Turkish international Barış Alper Yılmaz. While Osimhen’s historic pedigree in Italy makes him a natural headline-grabber, it was Yılmaz’s dynamic presence that reportedly left the deepest impression on the Juventus hierarchy during the two-legged tie.
The shift in focus comes after Galatasaray’s chaotic but successful 7-5 aggregate triumph over the Italian giants earlier this week. Although Juventus had previously explored the possibility of signing Osimhen prior to his initial loan move from Napoli to Turkey in 2024, the club’s current scouting mission appears to have identified Yılmaz as a more strategic acquisition. The 25-year-old winger’s tactical versatility and physical profile are said to align more closely with the rebuilding project currently underway at the Allianz Stadium.
“Everyone is talking about Osimhen, but the player who has particularly caught the attention of Juventus is Barış Alper Yılmaz. The reason for his recent positive performance is that he is playing on the right wing, the position where he feels most comfortable.”
Naci Küçük, sharing his insights via the 343 Digital YouTube channel, emphasized that Yılmaz’s recent surge in form is no coincidence. By deploying him in his preferred role on the right flank, Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has unlocked the player’s full potential, allowing him to dominate one-on-one situations and drive the team forward during transition. This positional clarity was on full display in Turin, where Yılmaz played a decisive role in the extra-time flurry that eventually extinguished Juventus’ hopes of a comeback.
As the summer transfer window looms, the narrative in the Italian sports press may begin to pivot away from the Nigerian superstar and toward the Turkish winger. While Osimhen remains one of the most coveted strikers in world football, Yılmaz’s explosive performances on the European stage have positioned him as a high-value alternative for a Juventus side looking to inject more pace and creativity into their wide areas. For the Galatasaray faithful, the interest from Turin serves as further validation of the immense talent currently propelling the “Cimbom” toward the Champions League Round of 16.
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