Angel Di Maria is the last in a long line of anticipated summer departures at Juventus after failing to earn a new deal in Turin. Under contract until the end of the month, the 35-year-old is on the verge of quitting Serie A after just one season.
Di Maria joined Juventus as a free agent last summer after running down his contract at Paris Saint-Germain. Fast forward 12 months, and he’s all but set for another free transfer. Major League Soccer franchise Inter Miami are contemplating the prospect of teaming the Argentine winger up with Lionel Messi, claims Calciomercato.
Messi turned down a monstrous bid from Saudi Arabia earlier in June in the hope of reuniting with Barcelona. But the Catalans’ poor financial state rendered the deal impossible, forcing the seven-time Ballon d’Or’s switch across the Atlantic. Luckily for the diminutive magician, he may not be alone in Florida.
Instead, his World Cup-winning teammate Di Maria could join him in Fort Lauderdale after his name popped up on Inter’s shopping list. The Americans harbor lofty ambitions heading into the summer transfer window. In addition to the Argentine duo, they’re working on several other high-profile deals.
Outgoing Barcelona stars Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets have also been courted by the Miami outfit. But let’s stick to the Di Maria issue.
It’s a bit mind-boggling that Juventus have decided against extending the veteran’s contract. Despite struggling with sporadic injury setbacks, Di Maria was arguably Massimiliano Allegri’s best-performing forward last season. In 40 appearances across all competitions, he managed eight goals and seven assists, including a Puskas Award nominee against Nantes in the Europa League.
Despite approaching the twilight of his illustrious playing career, Di Maria is a difference-maker. His insane talent and vast experience would’ve been helpful as Juventus bid to bounce back from an embarrassing 2022/23 campaign. Without the distraction of Champions League football, having a player of Di Maria’s quality and stature could be massive.
But if they cut the left-footed winger loose, they better find a sustainable replacement.
 |
Follow us on Google News for more updates on Serie A and Italian football |