Serie A clubs trying to sign players from the Premier League for relative pennies has been a theme going back some years.
What they usually desire is a loan move, adding a purchase option which they have absolutely zero intention of ever using. Even if the player does really well, there’s a near certainty they’ll want another loan or a cheaper deal.
With Aston Villa and Douglas Luiz it’s a little different, although still approaching comedy. Juventus are keen to sign the Brazilian midfielder from Unai Emery’s side, but they’re not keen to pay his market value.
Initial reports said that the Turin club could instead offer Weston McKennie and around €30m. That didn’t look like a good deal at deal.
Juventus may value McKennie at €30m, but surely nobody else does. Then subsequent reports dragged down the added cash amount, and Monday’s edition of Gazzetta dello Sport doesn’t even mention it.
They state new Juventus manager Thiago Motta is ‘waiting’ for Luiz, who is ‘involved in an exchange’ with McKennie.
If they’re now trying for a straight swap then he clearly shouldn’t hold his breath. And that should likely also be the case for the initial suggested offer.
