Juventus CEO Maurizio Arrivabene has confirmed Paulo Dybala’s imminent departure from the club, providing an insight into the decision of the two parties to go their separate ways.
The bombshell news surrounding the future of Argentine international Dybala was of course first unveiled early this afternoon.
On the back of a meeting between those in a position of power at the Juventus Stadium, and the representatives of the club’s long-time star attacker, the conclusion was reached that the best route forward would be for Dybala’s terms in Turin not to be renewed.
The 28-year-old, as a result, is in line to depart as a free agent upon the conclusion of the 2021/22 campaign.
TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 26: Paulo Dybala of Juventus leaves the field of play in a distressed manner due to injury during the Serie A match between Juventus and UC Sampdoria at on September 26, 2021 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)
So, what exactly went wrong?
Well, speaking to the media on Monday evening, in a round of quotes collected by TuttoMercatoWeb, the aforementioned Maurizio Arrivabene provided an insight into precisely that:
“The most important change is that Juventus have not renewed Paulo Dybala’s contract,” the Juve chief began. “With the market I reiterated this, the approach was sincere.”
From here, Arrivabene pointed towards the January addition of Dusan Vlahovic as central to the club’s decision regarding Dybala, with ‘fitness and financial considerations’ also taken into account:
“With the purchases made in January, with the arrival of Vlahovic, Paulo’s position was no longer at the centre of the project. That’s why this kind of decision was preferred.
“The parameters were different, I had already spoken about it, no one has ever questioned Paulo’s ability. There were considerations to be made about appearances, length and financial considerations.
“We made our choices in January, we got here. It would have been easy for Juventus to make a low bid, but it would have been disrespectful towards Paulo. The decision is made. Today’s meeting was friendly, clear and respectful.”
Maurizio Arrivabene has confirmed Juventus’ decision to part ways with Paulo Dybala once his contract expires at the end of this season. https://t.co/BPKD1IyREY #Arrivabene #Dybala #Juventus #SerieA #Calcio
— footballitalia (@footballitalia) March 21, 2022
‘Fit in perfectly’
So, what next for Juventus’ no.1o?
A whole host of clubs are expected to express a keen interest in Dybala ahead of the summer transfer window, with the prospect of landing a proven talent at the top level without the need for an attached transfer fee undoubtedly a tempting one.
One such club already tipped as a potential landing spot, meanwhile, have been La Liga heavyweights Barcelona.
In turn, it seems an appropriate moment in which to highlight previous comments on the part of current Blaugrana boss Xavi Hernandez, regarding Dybala’s talents.
ELCHE, SPAIN – MARCH 06: Xavi Hernandez looks on during the LaLiga Santander match between Elche CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero on March 06, 2022 in Elche, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
Speaking in an interview with Marca back in 2017, Xavi was not shy in revealing his admiration for the Argentine international, assuring that, at the time, he was more than ‘ready to play for Barcelona’:
”Dybala would fit in perfectly at Barcelona if you look at the other players there.
”He has a lot of talent and is capable of playing for any big team. He is a natural who plays at a high level and is still young. He is ready to play for Barcelona.
”He is making the difference in Italy and it is not easy to that when you play at a team like Juventus.”
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