In a surprising twist to the summer transfer window, Serie A’s player of the season – Paulo Dybala – has reportedly been put up for sale this summer, according to Tuttosport, with Juventus suffering financial problems.
The Argentine was inches away from leaving Turin last summer but was eventually revolutionize under Maurizio Sarri for the 2019/20 season. Dybala was voted Serie A’s MVP of 2019/20 after netting 11 goals and 11 assists in 33 games. Also, scoring 17 and assisting 14 in all competitions.
Despite winning Serie A for a ninth consecutive season, Juventus were knocked out of Champions League against Lyon at the round of 16 and costed Sarri’s his job. Andrea Pirlo was quickly announced as his replacement and has decided Dybala isn’t part of his plans.
The 26-year-old could part ways with Juventus this summer, only if the extremely lucrative bid from any teams interested – around €90-100m.
So, with Paulo Dybala being the player to watch this summer, we looked at which clubs could afford the Argentine.
Which clubs could target Paulo Dybala
Manchester City
Out of all the clubs across Europe, Manchester City is the most likely side who could afford Dybala this summer.
Pep Guardiola sold his influential winger, Leroy Sane, to Bayern Munich for £50m. Allowing City to sign Valencia’s Ferran Torres and Bournemouth’s Nathan Ake. And according to Sky Sports, Man City could make up to another four signings this summer.
David Silva has also left the club after his contract expired, which Dybala could be the perfect replacement for the Spaniard. However, Phil Foden form since project restart has seen Guardiola trust and put extra faith in homegrown talent to replace Silva.
City is unlikely to spend around £80m on Dybala. When they already have De Bruyne, Foden, Bernando Silva, Raheem Sterling, and Ferran Torres all available in his position.
Real Madrid
It has really been a mixed season for Real Madrid and Zinedine Zidane. Winning the La Liga but getting knocked out of the Champions League in round 16 against Manchester City.
Ever since the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus, Real Madrid hasn’t looked anywhere near to Europe’s most threatening team. Needing some valuable investment to compete once again.
However, like most sides across Europe, spending seems to be minimum due to the financial impact of COVID-19, so will Madrid throw €90m at Dybala? Unlikely.
They could look to offer Isco, who Andrea Pirlo’s keen sign and believes the Spaniard will help get the best out of his former teammate Ronaldo. But Isco could only be worth around £40m, leading to Madrid needing to offer around £50m still.
Money is set to be an issue throughout this summer; however, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Real Madrid splash the cash on a talented, world-class forward.
Manchester United
Manchester United have been the talk of the transfer window so far. The Premier League side is trying to agree on a deal for Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho.
Although Dortmund’s sporting director has announced Sancho will be staying at the Bundesliga club for next season, many would still expect this rumour to rumble until October.
However, if a deal cannot be reached, then Ole Gunnar Solksjaer would still need another forward to add further competition to his current attackers. Dybala could be the perfect alternative to Sancho. Who can also play out wide, behind the striker, or in the central role – for a similar price.
United’s number one target is Sancho and this transfer will be in talks throughout the summer. But wouldn’t be surprised to see United go for Dybala later in the window.
Tottenham Hotspur
Extremely unlikely to happen, but after last summer you never know.
Spurs were extremely close to signing the Argentine last summer. Agreed on a €70m fee with Juventus until a deal fell through on deadline day.
If COVID-19 didn’t hamper the past season, then Spurs could have easily targeted for Dybala once again. However, Mourinho will have a limited budget and definitely not €90m to spend on one player.
Juventus were interested in Tanguy Ndombele before his move to North London last summer but could offer the midfielder in a deal. The Frenchman has struggled in his opening season in the Premier League. Forcing Mourinho to move on the 23-year-old.
If Ndombele was offered to Juventus, Spurs need to muster around £40m in cash. And as all football supporters know Daniel Levy will unlikely have that money in his wallet.
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