Atlético de Madrid star’s wages derail Juventus transfer hope
By Eduardo Razo
Juventus could be looking to bolster the midfield when the January transfer window opens. However, the Serie A side aren’t looking to break any financial structure to ensure they secure a player that fits manager Thiago Motta’s system.
This past summer, the Old Lady added Teun Koopmeiners, Douglas Luiz, and Khéphren Thuram to their midfield. However, could the Italian club still be on the lookout for another player to improve the middle of the pitch?
In the early part of the 2024-25 season, both Luiz and Thuram have faced injuries. Meanwhile, despite Paul Pogba’s doping suspension being reduced to 18 months, it’s clear he has no future in Turin.
Could Juventus turn to a LaLiga player?
Since joining Atlético de Madrid in 2021, Rodrigo De Paul has shown his talent but has also faced challenges that have strained his relationship with fans and others within the club.
Diego Simeone’s high demands and intense competition in midfield have made it difficult for him to secure a critical role in the Argentine coach’s plans.
TuttoJuve reports that Juventus have been monitoring De Paul for a while, but given their squad depth and efforts to cut wage costs, a move seems unlikely. Per Capology, De Paul earns €128,269 a week, and with these wages, the Argentine would be the fourth-highest earner at Juventus while with the Spanish side, he's the 10th-highest earner.
Nonetheless, the player could be on the market as Atlético de Madrid are reportedly keen on adding a midfielder.
As per Mundo Deportivo, they are already considering dipping into the January transfer market to address the defensive midfield position. As a result, could De Paul see the writing on the wall for a departure?
These next few weeks should provide more clarity as the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner has only played an entire 90 minutes for Atlético de Madrid, once in a LaLiga and once in a UEFA Champions League match.
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