Juventus forward Paulo Dybala revealed he was “close to leaving” after summer bids from Manchester United and Tottenham, but did not rule out the possibility of a move still materliaising in a future window.
The Argentine was the subject of persistent links of a move to the Premier League in the previous window, but remained in Turin when all was said and done.
With the injuries to star strikers Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford, both Spurs and Utd could benefit greatly from the 26-year-old’s arrival as they chase Champions League qualification.
Despite spending his entire professional career in Italy since leaving Argentina as a teenager eight years ago, Dybala spoke highly of English football and hinted at a future move to the Premier League when speaking to British newspaper the Guardian.
On his aborted summer switch, Dybala told the Guardian: “I was close to leaving.
“That was in the club’s thinking, I knew. Until the last minute, we were waiting.”
When describing the allure of English football, Dybala spoke of the “packed stadiums” and “passion” that the Premier League provides like no other.
“I have two years left on my contract. That’s not a short time but it’s not a long one either,” said the forward when discussing his next move.
“We’ll see what plans Juventus have, if they think I might leave in the next market or if they want me to stay.
“That’s a decision for the club to make. It’s hard to know because things change in a second.
“But I’m here, at a club that has treated me well; I’m happy, comfortable.
“[Maurizio] Sarri’s arrival has helped. He wanted me to stay, which gave me strength when we didn’t know what would happen. I knew he could teach me, help me bring out the best in myself.”
Dybala has returned to prominence this campaign, notching 11 goals and 10 assists from 26 appearances across all competitions.
However, with a contract that expires in 2022 and a clear admiration for English football, the prospect of seeing Dybala in the Premier League some time soon is not out of the question.
