In the summer transfer window before the start of the 2019-20 season, Spurs had four expensive transfer targets on their shopping list: Bruno Fernandes, Philippe Coutinho, Paulo Dybala and Giovani Lo Celso.
Lo Celso ultimately was the player that signed for Spurs from Real Betis, but his arrival did not stop their pursuit of Juventus forward Dybala who would have without a doubt taken the club to another level – and potentially saw Mauricio Pochettino remain as manager.
Unfortunately for us Spurs fans, the issues surrounding his image rights prevented the transfer from taking place and we missed out on having a superstar front three of the former Palermo striker alongside Harry Kane and Son Heung-min.
— Tottenham Funnies (@SpursFunnies) March 25, 2021
— Rasmus🇫🇮 (@thfcrasmus) March 25, 2021
However, it may not be too late for Dybala to join the club, with Juventus vice-chairman and legendary winger Pavel Nedved admitting that he would be for sale – and Corriere Dello Sport claiming that the white side of North London remain very keen on signing him.
The 27-year-old could be available for a maximum of €45 million which equates to around £39 million – a whole £25 million less than the fee that was initially agreed with the Italian giants back in August 2019, and Daniel Levy is reportedly more than happy to pay the fee.
With Gareth Bale unlikely to have his loan extended for next season as well and Erik Lamela being linked with a move away from the club, a summer arrival in Dybala’s position could be inevitable.
Chelsea also are reportedly interested – but after the Blues signed Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner and Kai Havertz as well as wanting to develop the likes of Tammy Abraham, Mason Mount and Callum Hudson-Odoi and also having Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Ross Barkley and Conor Gallagher all impressing on-loan, it’s improbable that another attack minded player who wants regular game time will be signed.
Having just scored three goals in 16 appearances this season in all competitions with six of them coming from off the bench, Dybala has managed just two assists also – but with Cristiano Ronaldo leading the line for the club and most attacks going through him, it’s understandable that Juventus would cash in now.
His direct dribbling, clever passing and through balls as well as his ability to finish from about anywhere would add another big goalscoring threat from another area of the pitch – terrifying defences even more than what we already do.
🗣: Juventus have certainly missed Dybala this season because he is someone who scores goals.
[Allegri]
— Bianconeri Zone (@BianconeriZone) March 21, 2021
With 1.8 key passes per game and 1.4 dribbles completed per game, its clear that Dybala is not currently at his best – but with regular game time there is no doubt that he can get back to his best and reach the same heights that he did in the 2017/18 season when he scored 22 goals.