Juventus Sporting Director Reveals Suarez Deal Is Off
Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici has ruled out a move to the Allianz Stadium for Luis Suarez due to a delay in the Barcelona striker securing an Italian passport.
Suarez has been told by new Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman he is free to find a new club and Juventus have been linked with the Uruguayan’s services.
The 33-year-old must first secure an Italian passport before a transfer can be completed but the required documents for Suarez could arrive after the transfer window closes on October 5, which is holding up the deal.
The Italian champions are in the market for a new centre forward after terminating the contract of Gonzalo Higuain, who has since joined Inter Miami in the Major League Soccer.
Juventus started their Serie A campaign without a recognised striker on Sunday, winning 3-0 against Sampdoria in Andrea Pirlo’s first game in charge.
Paratici revealed before the game that the Suarez deal is off and Juventus, who have also been linked with AS Roma’s Edin Dzeko and Everton’s Moise Kean, are considering other options.
"Suarez can be removed from that list, because the time it takes to get the passport is longer than the transfer deadline or the moment we can hand in the Champions League lists," said Paratici, whose Juve have already filled their non-European quota.
"We evaluated the Suarez option when it was proposed to us. He was in the process of getting Italian citizenship, so we evaluated the possibility of registering him in time.
"It is not possible, so he was never really close."
"There are other situations, not just Dzeko. We know what we want. We're working for a striker who can work with Cristiano Ronaldo and Paulo Dybala,” Paratici added.
"At this moment, we are seeking one striker, we have our objectives and will try to pursue them calmly, regardless of the names."
