Medhi Benatia has told TuttoJuve that it would be a ‘great idea’ if Juventus replace Paulo Dybala with Mohamed Salah, but he questions the potential for a transfer with Liverpool.
The Bianconeri are in the market for a new forward this summer after opting against giving Dybala a new contract. The Argentine’s current deal will expire at the end of the season to draw a close to his time in Turin after seven trophy-laden years at the Allianz Stadium side.
Benatia spent three of those years with Dybala in the black-and-white jersey from 2016 to 2019. In that time, they helped contribute toward three Serie A titles and lifted two Coppa Italias. Juventus have not won the Italian cup since their record 14th success in 2017/18.
Dybala could now bow out by helping Juventus end their Coppa Italia drought this term, if not with Serie A success. He has scored twice in the tournament on route to the semi-final. He has also fired 11 further goals and six assists across 27 games in all other competitions.
Yet despite Dybala’s output, Juventus are seeking a replacement and Gazzetta dello Sport report Liverpool’s Salah is a transfer target. The Bianconeri are also ready to pay the Egypt star what he wants to secure his signature, with the forward looking for a change in club.
Talks have even been held between the Old Lady and the £200k-a-week star’s agent, per Luca Momblano. And Salah, honoured by the call, does not reject the idea of life in Turin.
Benatia hails Juventus eying Liverpool’s Salah to replace Dybala as ‘great idea’
Salah will likely be a market opportunity for several sides beyond Juventus this summer as he will enter the final year of his Liverpool contract in June. Sport note Barcelona are keen, for example, and are also ready to pay €70m (£59m) after talks with his agent over a deal.
With Salah scoring 28 goals and 10 assists so far this season, Benatia has no doubt that the Liverpool ace can replace Dybala with a summer transfer to Juventus. But given his output, the retired defender has doubts his former side will be able to agree on the terms needed.
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“Surely, he will have to be a great player,” Benatia said. “Replacing Dybala with Salah would be a great idea but, for me, it is very difficult. He is currently one of the strongest in the world in his role. I don’t know if today’s Juve is capable of bringing him home.”
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