Monday saw the continuation, solely via Calciomercato, of a story that had been brewing over the weekend: Manchester United are interested in Juventus’ Fabio Paratici.
Currently looking for a technical director, the Red Devils have been linked with various board members around Europe, and the Italian is the latest in a relatively lengthy list.
Following the departure of Beppe Marotta, there were rumblings Paratici could also leave for pastures anew, but Gazzetta dello Sport don’t think that will be the case.
In fact, all the executive’s exit has done is give the director of football even more responsibility, and the ‘desire to grow with Juventus’ is still there.
It’s worth reminding readers that Paratici only recently signed a new three-year contract with the Serie A champions, which saw his wage increase from £800k/year to £2m, with bonuses that can easily take it up to £3m.
This came despite ‘temptations’ from abroad, with clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and ‘especially’ Manchester United all trying to convince him to jump ship over the past two years.
His new contract didn’t deter the Red Devils, as Gazzetta make it clear that ‘the pressing from the leaders of Old Trafford is still insistent’ even today, meaning they have him high up on the aforementioned list of desired candidates.
The article was published just before Juventus president Andrea Agnelli’s announcement that Paratici would be given a new role, that of Head of Sports Area, at Juventus.
In that same speech, he said he ‘completely excluded’ the now former director of football’s departure, but a lot of things can happen in this sport.
Next summer is a long way away.
