Transfer News: Romelu Lukaku, Paulo Dybala swap almost a done deal

The reported swap of Manchester United star Romelu Lukaku and Juventus forward Paulo Dybala is almost a done deal, as per the latest updates.

Sky Sports claim that the swap deal between Juventus and Manchester United for Romelu Lukaku and Paulo Dybala is ‘as good as done’. The report iterates that Juventus Sporting Director Fabio Paratici flew into London for talks over the potential swap deal involving the two stars.

Sky have also reported that the deal now hinges on Dybala’s decision, with the Argentine international still looking to have a future at Juventus. Dybala has flown to Italy for showdown talks with Maurizio Sarri before making his decision. Lukaku, on the other hand, is said to have preferred Inter Milan but is more than willing to join Juventus.

Romelu Lukaku has lost his place in the starting eleven to Marcus Rashford, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer preferring the Manchester United academy ace to lead the forward line. Despite this, Lukaku had a decent 2018-19 campaign, scoring 15 goals in 45 appearances for the club.

Paulo Dybala, on the other hand, has been a key part of the Juventus first-team setup for a while. But, the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo prior to the 2018-19 campaign saw the Argentine fall down the pecking order and become a rotation player in Turin.

Dybala ended the season with just 5 goals and as many assists in Serie A in what was his first time that he failed to touch double figures in goals in the league since the 2012-13 Serie A season with Palermo. With Sarri hoping to bring in a quality striker, Dybala’s chances of getting regular time will dwindle further. Thus, Juventus are looking to offload the Argentine international.

Sky Sports expert Kaveh Solhekol reflected on the transfer on The Transfer Show.

“Paulo Dybala has to agree to this. He has been on holiday in Miami and is flying back to Europe. He is due back at Juventus’ training ground and he will have talks with head coach Maurizio Sarri – these are going to be crucial talks.”

“If it comes off, I think Manchester United fans will be very, very pleased. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be swapping a player he does not want for a player he does want. [Swapping] a No 9 for a No 10, somebody who can play anywhere along the front line.”

Kaveh’s reasoning makes sense. Solskjaer’s tactical style has resonated on the field in the form of forwards with flexibility as far as positions are concerned. The interchangeability adds a layer of uncertainty for the opposition and is something Solskjaer has tried since being appointed, playing Lukaku on the right and the left during the 2018-19 campaign.

Dybala is more of a fit within Solskjaer’s system and will boost the overall quality of the squad. One thing remains to be seen, though. Solskjaer stated that any player coming in has to have United as a priority, something which clearly isn’t the case right now with Dybala, who is looking to stay at Juventus and will only leave as a last resort.