Sporting director Ottolini meets Fenerbahçe as Juve look to beat Premier League competition
Juventus have taken their pursuit of Youssef En-Nesyri directly to Istanbul. With the search for a new center-forward entering a critical phase, sporting director Marco Ottolini has traveled to Turkey to open face-to-face talks with Fenerbahçe and the player’s representatives.
The Moroccan striker has quickly risen to the top of Juventus’ shortlist after negotiations for Jean-Philippe Mateta proved difficult. Determined not to lose momentum — and aware of growing competition — Juve have opted for a hands-on approach, hoping to accelerate the process and gain an edge over rival suitors.
Ottolini is also expected to attend Fenerbahçe’s Europa League match against Aston Villa, a detail that adds an extra layer of intrigue. The English club are among those monitoring En-Nesyri’s situation, even though the striker is not included in the squad for the fixture — a sign that his future may already be elsewhere.
At 29, En-Nesyri has reportedly informed Fenerbahçe of his desire to leave. The motivation is clear: he wants consistent playing time ahead of the upcoming World Cup, something that has been limited in Istanbul due to competition in attack. Juventus see him as an experienced, physically imposing option capable of making an immediate impact.
The initial proposal from Turin is structured to minimize long-term risk. Juventus have put forward a paid loan worth €5 million through June, paired with a €19 million option to buy. Fenerbahçe, however, are pushing for stronger guarantees and would prefer an obligation to purchase, potentially tied to performance benchmarks such as goals scored or appearances made.
Should a deal be finalized, Juventus would assume responsibility for En-Nesyri’s salary for the remainder of the season. His current net wages stand at €4 million, rising to €6 million annually from next year — a financial commitment Juve are weighing carefully as they reshape their squad.
Time is a factor. Alongside Aston Villa, Sevilla and Napoli are also tracking developments, prompting Juventus to move decisively. The Istanbul mission underlines the club’s intent: secure a striker now, and do so on terms that balance immediate needs with future flexibility.
