Former £33 million Juventus winger Federico Bernardeschi has hinted at an offer from Tottenham Hotspur, telling Gazzetta dello Sport that a London-based Premier League club tried to sign him.
With Paulo Dybala, Alvaro Morata and the legendary Giorgio Chiellini also heading for the exit on July 1st, Bernardeschi’s own departure went somewhat under the radar.
The Italy international opted not to extend his contract after being told by the Juventus bosses that he was no longer part of Max Allegri’s plans. And, despite receiving a number of offers from across the continent, Bernardeschi chose to join compatriot and former Napoli captain Lorenzo Insigne at an ambitious FC Toronto outfit.
The former Fiorentina whizzkid will reportedly earn £80,000-a-week in the MLS.
And while some have been surprised to see a 28-year-old footballer entering his prime leave Europe behind for a new adventure on the other side of The Atlantic, Bernardeschi obviously feels that he has ‘nothing to prove’ after a trophy-laden spell in Turin.
Did Tottenham try to sign Federico Bernardeschi from Juventus?
“I won nine trophies playing for Juve. What more could I ask for? I have nothing to prove,” the winger says refuting claims that he joined Toronto with his bank balance in mind.
Bernardeschi claims that he received similarly lucrative offers from a number of clubs this side of the pond.
“I thank everyone, in particular (Atalanta coach Gian Piero) Gasperini. They wanted me strongly in Bergamo,” he says.
“Yes, (I also had an offer) from London. But I don’t say who. Let’s say that I admire Conte shamelessly.”
Conte handed Bernardeschi his debut for the Italian national team back in 2016. A left-footed right winger who loves to cut inside, did Spurs make an approach before opting instead for his Juventus team-mate Dejan Kulusevski in January?
It’s worth pointing out that Arsenal are also in the market for a right-winger. Raphinha joined Barcelona instead while Nicolas Pepe remains available for transfer. Did Bernardeschi turn down the Gunners due to his loyalty to Conte?
Perhaps, next time Bernardeschi speaks to the media, he’ll give us a few more clues as to the mystery club in question.
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