La Joya is on the market. For those who don’t speak Spanish ‘La Joya’ means jewel. And in football talk this is referencing Paulo Dybala who will be leaving Juventus this summer.
The news was confirmed on Monday afternoon by Juventus who have decided to let the playmaker leave on a free transfer at the end of the season.
There had been optimism that talks over a new long-term deal would finally prove fruitful but the January addition of £62million man Dusan Vlahovic from Fiorentina has seen the club move in a different direction.
Paulo Dybala’s time at Juventus is coming to an end with the player leaving this summer
Juventus have decided against signing the forward to a new deal after failing to agree terms
Juve have decided to build their attack around January signing Dusan Vlahovic going forward
‘It was a friendly, clear and respectful meeting. We had a very sincere approach,’ said Juventus CEO Maurizio Arrivabene on Monday about Dybala’s situation.
‘With the arrival of Vlahovic, Paulo was no longer at the centre of the project and we made this decision.
‘The arrival of Dusan changed the position. The technical structure of the team and the Juventus project has undergone some changes.
‘Part of these changes concern Dybala’s contract, which has not been renewed.’
Juventus had previously offered the Argentine a contract in October and were looking to reduce his salary before deciding not to renew the deal.
‘It would not have been easy for Juventus to make a lower offer,’ he said.
‘Paulo spent seven years of his career with us, an offer of that kind would not have shown the respect that there is towards him. No one has ever questioned Dybala’s technical prowess.
‘The parameters in October were different. There were considerations to be made on attendance, on the length of the contract and others of an economic nature.
‘It is important to underline that the management does not take decisions against Juventus, but in favor of the club.’
Juventus CEO…