Juventus superstar Paulo Dybala has been highly effective this season when healthy, but, as was the case last season, injury issues continue to mount for the Argentine playmaker. Dybala is in the midst of another injury spell, as he missed Juve’s 1-1 draw with Villarreal at the Estadio de la Ceramica on Tuesday night in the Champions League.
The result was sour enough, given how poorly the Bianconeri played in the second half, but Juventini now have to deal with more dire news in the aftermath of the loss. Weston McKennie is now also injured – reportedly for two months.
To make matters worse, it seems as if Juventus are ready to see Dybala leave on a free transfer, as the latest offer to the jewel of Turin seems less than satisfactory.
Sky Sport Italia reports that Juventus have sent Paulo Dybala a contract offer worth less money per year than previous offers. Instead, they are tying more money into bonuses centred around appearances and goals.
The lower offer is reportedly in comparison to what La Joya was offered in the Fall. And you can guess why Juve are offering less money. It is because the injuries to Dybala keep coming, and, thus, Juve do not want to risk as much financially into a 28-year-old with significant injury concerns.
That said, Dybala has still played in 27 matches for Juve this season, scoring 12 goals with six assists as the team’s most productive player.
Juventus can negotiate from a stronger position after signing Vlahovic
There is one more thing, though. Juventus have added a new superstar in Dusan Vlahovic, paying a pretty penny to snatch another top young talent away from Fiorentina. That may make Juve more willing to let Dybala walk, hence why they are offering less money.
From Dybala’s perspective, this offer could be seen as an insult. From the Bianconeri’s perspective, it may be smart business to tie more money into appearances and goals for an injury-prone player. Pay for production.
Dybala may look at it as Juve disrespecting him and doubting his importance and ability to get on the pitch.
At the end of the day, the negotiations come down to one thing and one thing only. What other options does Dybala have? If he can find a better financial offer, you would think that a 28-year-old player with maybe only a few years left of elite-level football would take it. But if he cannot, which is what Juve are banking on, then he must take whatever the Bianconeri put on the table for the ex-Palermo man.
What this offer does tell us for sure, though, is that Juve are not desperate to keep Dybala. They will not pay any price for him, and beyond that, they will keep him on THEIR terms. Not his. Vlahovic, perhaps, now gives them the flexibility to be so bold in these contract negotiations. For the Bianconeri, business and the club’s long-term financial security comes first.