Barcelona are reportedly interested in signing Paulo Dybala from Juventus on a free transfer in the summer of 2022 if he does not sign a contract extension.
According to a report from Spanish publication Fichajes, Barcelona are looking at the possibility of making a swoop for Argentine forward Paulo Dybala when his contract with Juventus expires in the summer next year.
Dybala has been with Juventus for six years now, having signed from Palermo in the summer of 2015. The Argentine international grew into one of the most sought-after attackers in Europe during the early years of his spell with the Bianconeri, but his form has been on the wane in the last couple of seasons, with him being in and out of the starting lineup.
There had been a lot of question marks over his future this summer as he entered the final year of his contract with the Old Lady. However, with Cristiano Ronaldo leaving the club, it is extremely unlikely that Juventus will let the Argentine secure an exit as well. But should he not sign a new contract, the 27-year-old will be a free agent next year, and Barcelona are ready to pounce.
Barcelona are in a difficult situation financially and have been forced into exploring the free-agent market this summer, signing the likes of Sergio Aguero, Memphis Depay and Eric Garcia on Bosman transfers. That could very well be the case again next year, with Dybala among a number of players they are eyeing, along with Tottenham Hotspur captain Hugo Lloris.
Barcelona were dealt a major blow with the departure of Lionel Messi this summer. While they have bolstered the attack with Depay and Aguero, Antoine Griezmann is yet to impress in the new season, while Martin Braithwaite’s future beyond this season also remains up in the air. So, there could be a vacancy in attack next year that the Catalan giants might need to fill, making Dybala a viable target.
The report adds that the 27-year-old has held contract talks with Juventus, but an agreement is still far away as there are conflicts over the release clause amount. While the Bianconeri want to include a buyout clause of €70 million, the Argentine’s camp are pushing for the value to be €50 million, leading to a standoff.
If an agreement is not reached, Dybala will be able to open talks with clubs from abroad over a pre-contract agreement starting from January. And Barcelona, as per the report, are keeping a close eye on the situation as they line up a swoop. A move, though, would only take place in case the Argentine international does not sign a new contract.
