Juventus striker Paulo Dybala rejected Barcelona
Wednesday June 29 2016
Barcelona have had a bid for Juventus forward Paulo Dybala turned down, according to the man who brought him to Europe.
Gustavo Mascardi, whose agency also represents Juan Manuel Iturbe, says that the Spanish club offered twice as much for Dybala as Juventus paid Palermo for his services a year ago, but that the Argentina international has opted to remain in Turin.
"There are always lots of temptations in the transfer market, but Paulo has shown that he has clear ideas," Mascardi told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"It's true that in recent months Barcelona enquired about him, with an offer which was double what the Bianconeri paid for him, but the player first of all felt it is more important to consolidate his experience at the club who are giving him the opportunity to prove himself at the highest level."
Mascardi also believes that Dybala should be given a chance in the Argentina national team, but not as a replacement for Lionel Messi, who announced his retirement from international football after defeat to Chile in the final of the Copa America.
"Argentina cannot do without Leo," Mascardi said. "I think they will convince him to change his mind. I am convinced that Dybala has got to be a first choice, together with Messi. Paulo has got to be a key player in qualifying for the next World Cup."
Mascardi was also responsible for bringing the likes of Hernan Crespo and Juan Sebastian Veron to Europe and has tipped one of his latest clients, 21-year-old Independiente Valle forward Jose Angulo, to be the next big name to cross the Atlantic.
"I'm willing to bet on it," he said. "He's physically strong and has a great eye for goal. He's already very well known in South America and in many ways, he reminds me of the Crespo in his early days. Monaco are already tracking him, but there are also some Spanish clubs interested."
