Crystal Palace target Radu Dragusin has his suitcase ready and waiting for a club to agree a fee with Juventus for his summer transfer, according to Calciomercato.
Dragusin only renewed his contract with the Old Lady in April, committing his future to the Serie A giants until 2025. Yet the Romanian already sees his future is likely away from Turin, if he wants to play regularly next season.
Andrea Pirlo only fielded the 19-year-old four times across all competitions during his sole season in charge. Maximiliano Allegri returning could have changed the picture for Dragusin, but he seems to question his chances.
Dragusin has his suitcase at the ready in case a side agrees a fee with Juventus, with Crystal Palace among a clutch of sides keen. RB Leipzig are rivalling the Eagles, however, with the German outfit retaining their interest from before he signed an extension.
Sassuolo also admire Dragusin, but want to sign him in a separate deal to Juventus’ pursuit of Manuel Locatelli. The Old Lady had proposed a player-plus-cash exchange, with €30m (£25.5m) plus Dragusin for the Euro 2020 winner, per Football-Italia.
Juventus value Dragusin at €10m (£8.5m) as the physically imposing and pacey enforcer has no clear weak points. He can also play at right-back, but has failed to establish himself since moving to Italy for €250,000 (£200k).
Dragusin is now open to leaving Juventus for a club where he will play continuously, which could be Crystal Palace. Gazzetta dello Sport reported earlier this month that Patrick Vieira’s side had made an offer but without claiming how much.
Crystal Palace long-term admirers of Juventus defender Dragusin
Dragusin has given Crystal Palace a clear boost to their pursuit with the Juventus defender readying himself for a move. The Eagles have been long-term admirers of the U21 international, far beyond Vieira replacing Roy Hodgson.
The centre-half’s agent, Florin Manea, told GSP in May that the Eagles approached Juventus to discuss a loan deal. Sporting Director Dougie Freedman was driving the Selhurst Park natives’ pursuit, and could now get his man.
Dragusin still has some room for improvement, especially in playing the ball out from the back, but needs game time – which Crystal Palace could provide and Juventus refuse – to fulfil his potential.
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