Juventus’ move for PSG star Blaise Matuidi look set to collapse despite optimism from director Beppe Marotta, with PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi confirming that the Frenchman will stay in Paris and extend his contract with the Ligue 1 giants.
Hours after Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta voiced his optimism regarding the success of the Matuidi deal, the PSG president took a strong stand on not letting a valued midfielder move to another top European club. “Matuidi is the most suitable profile, but he’s a PSG player,” said Marotta earlier this week (via Football-Italia). “We’ve had contact, we hope to define things in the coming days. I’m optimistic.”
The President’s Speech
The Italian media seemed very confident on Juventus sealing the move for the France international. The fact that Matuidi was not a part of the squad facing AS Monaco on Saturday also fanned the flames of speculation. It was reported earlier both in the French and Italian media that Matuidi is also eager for the move as he wants to have a new experience.
However, the PSG president has squashed all speculation as he had previously done on several other occasions when players he considered important to his side were involved.
“I can confirm [Matuidi] will not be leaving and in fact will extend his contract,” Nasser Al-Khelaifi told Le Parisien (via Football-Italia). “I always wanted him to stay, as he is an exemplary player who gives his all for PSG. He has an immense heart on the field and remains an icon for our club.”
Improved wages and a new contract for Matuidi?
Mediaset Premium claim that Matuidi’s new contract with the Paris giants is worth €8m per year. Despite the player’s will, the club is most likely to force Matuidi to stay on at the club.
The negotiations for one of the top players in France, who has been a regular at PSG for 5 years, were always going to be difficult and yet Juventus fans were optimistic especially because of the kind of market they have had this year, striking impossible deals with Italian rivals and purchasing their most valued players. However, Matuidi — perfect as he was as a replacement for Pogba — will go down in the history books as the one that got away.
