With the Premier League taking a two-week break, there is little in the way of game action for Kopites to get their teeth into. In South America, the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers are taking place, with some of Liverpool’s first team in action. According to Italian football journalist Tancredi Palmieri, a possible future Anfield star may be lining up for his country this week – Argentina’s Paulo Dybala.
The Juventus forward is coming towards the end of his contract and has been linked with a move away from Turin. One man with his ear to the ground when it comes to Liverpool’s transfer dealings is goal.com’s Neil Jones.
On the latest episode of our Journo Insight Show, we asked Neil if there was any likelihood of the 28-year-old Dybala making a big money move to Merseyside.
Neil said:
“My instinct is no; Liverpool aren’t going to sign Paulo Dybala. I know he’s a very, very good player but he does give me the impression people know his name as opposed to what he actually is or where he would fit in or what type of player he is. He’s 28, his wages would be huge. There was a story from our [goal.com] Juventus correspondent not so long ago that they thought they were very close to renewing it [Dybala’s contract]. It was a hell of a contract that he was going to be getting, so imagine what he would be getting at the end of a contract when he’s 29? It would be a big surprise if Liverpool went down that route. I think they would be looking a lot younger and less massive wages and signing on fee. Would you have him on the bench instead of Minamino? Yeah, of course, but you’re talking about Paulo Dybala. However much a year in wages, agent [fee], signing on fee and wants to play. For me, it’s a non-starter.”
Redmen Plus | Competition!
Become a Club Legend subscriber on Redmen Plus to be in with a chance of winning this!
You'll also get access to all our content and a host of other perks including free merch, free tickets to live shows & more!
Enter here ???? https://t.co/N73ph6vDK3 pic.twitter.com/cAbneLQc4S
— The Redmen TV (@TheRedmenTV) January 27, 2022
Based on the profile of player Jurgen Klopp and his transfer committee have targeted in recent years, Neil’s instincts are probably correct on this one. Mo Salah’s bumper contract is taking a while to sign, and there is every indication that Dybala would want a weekly wage somewhere in that region. The Argentian has struggled with injury and losing his place to the likes of Federico Chiesa in recent seasons, so could not be considered amongst the elite of world football at this moment in time. Liverpool’s model has been to target a player in the first half of his 20s, who would not command such high wages, then turning him into one of the world’s best. This has been the case with the likes of Fabinho and Mo Salah. Unfortunately, the Dybala transfer seems a little more ‘Football Manager’ than real life. If only real life was like Football Manager – a few of you out there would be amongst the most decorated coaches in the world!
