Juventus’ ace Paulo Dybala is set to depart Massimiliano Allegri’s side at the end of the season. Contract talks between the Argentinean winger and the Serie A giants have reportedly broken, according to various reports in Italy.
The former Palermo forward had been locked in discussions with the Turin side ever since the start of the season. Various sources had initially claimed Juventus and Dybala had essentially shaken hands on a new £9.3m per year contract at the Allianz Arena.
But t he offer was eventually pulled back by the Bianconeri who eventually went on to offer a new contract on significantly less terms. And with Dybala’s current deal expiring at the end of the season, Mirror Football considers three possible destinations for the wing wizard.
Liverpool
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Liverpool are yet to ascertain the futures of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, and Roberto Firmino. All three attackers are currently set to depart the club on a free transfer when their contracts expire in the summer of 2023.
Dybala appears to be a player who could slide into the Liverpool attack in the same way Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz have in recent seasons. His directness, dribbling skills, and ability to link up with his team mates on both wings and through the middle could very well attract Jurgen Klopp’s interest.
As free transfers go, there will be very few players on the market who can match what Dybala can bring to the table. If Liverpool are in a position where they need to replace Mane, Salah, Firmino or even all three, then Dybala could be a very astute signing.
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham thought they had secured Dybala’s signature in Mauricio Pochettino’s final transfer window in north London. After a deal believed to be worth around £64.4m was reportedly agreed between Spurs and Juventus, Dybala’s move appeared to be all but completed.
However, disagreements regarding Dybala’s image rights and further cold feet from Juventus resulted in the move falling through on transfer deadline day. With Juventus completely out of the equation, Tottenham could have a free route to Dybala, if they choose to reinitiate their interest in him.
While Spurs do have an option to buy Dejan Kulusevski, who was loaned from Juventus until the end of the season, Conte may not be able to resist the temptation of Dybala’s quality. An array of attacking options including Harry Kane, Son Heung-Min, Kulusevski, Lucas Moura, and Bryan Gil would give Spurs one of the most ferocious attacking lines in the Premier League.
Barcelona
Barcelona ’s continued financial difficulties means their transfer dealings could very well consist of free transfers once again. But Dybala is a player who would immediately add extra quality and experience to Xavi’s young and developing side.
Despite their spectacular 4-0 away victory over Real Madrid in El Classico, the Catalans are still in the early stages of a significant rebuild. They have already seen previous free transfers work really well, as they astutely boosted their attacking line Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in January.
Barcelona are currently on course to finish in the top four this season and Xavi will likely be keen on adding extra Champions League experience when possible. A free transfer for Dybala would tick every single box for Barcelona, ahead of a vital campaign next season.
Inter Milan
Inter Milan’s title defence has alarmingly slipped out of their fingertips over the last few weeks. A recent run of one victory in their last five matches has seen the Nerazzuri slip to third position, where they are trailing fierce rivals AC Milan by six points.
Should Stefano Pioli’s side maintain their position at the top of Serie A, then it will be an enormous blow for Inzaghi and his side. Serious measures to ensure such a slip up does not happen again may need to be taken – a move for Dybala could be a very good start.
Inter have also struggled with their finances in recent seasons; therefore, a move for Dybala on a free transfer could be the perfect signing to refresh their attacking line. Edin Dzeko has already highlighted the potential benefits a free transfer can bring to a team. Moreover, a frontline of Dybala, Lautaro Martinez, and Dzeko could very well be more than enough to power another title challenge next season.
Manchester City
Despite the possibility of a historic treble winning campaign, Manchester City are reportedly sweating on the futures of many key players. Bernardo Silva and Raheem Sterling were linked with moves away from the Etihad Stadium at the start of the season and those rumours could resurface at the end of the current campaign.
Sterling and Silva have enjoyed a sensational campaign for Pep Guardiola’s side; replacing them would not be an easy or cheap task. However, Dybala’s availability on a free transfer could very well refresh City’s attacking line, adding further versatility and experience to the forward areas.
Guardiola could be drawn to the Argentine’s ability to play through the middle and on the flanks of his respective sides. While City are still understood to be pursuing a move for Erling Haaland, the financial implications of signing the Borussia Dortmund could prove to be too much of a gamble for the Citizens – should the Premier League leaders choose to find a more economical option, then Dybala could be their man.
