Juventus scouting chief Javier Ribalta has parted ways with the Turin based club to join Premier League giants Manchester United – in a bid to help the Red Devils in their Alvaro Morata pursuit.
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Ribalta, a man with loads of experience, had previously spent a successful spell at Liverpool during Rafa Benitez’s reign. He then anchored Juventus’ scouting unit for five years and has played a quintessential role in their deals for Paul Pogba, Paulo Dybala, Alex Sandro and Dani Alves.
The 36-year-old scouting chief also played a pivotal role in the signing of Alvaro Morata, one of Man Utd’s key transfer targets this summer. He helped the Spanish striker settle in Italy before he was sold to Real Madrid for a profit last year.
“It has been a wonderful few years here. My thanks go to all involved with the club, particularly Giuseppe Marotta and Fabio Paratici for the faith they have shown in me since day one,” said Ribalta.
“I will look back on my time at Juventus with great pleasure.”
Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho is desperate to bolster his squad as they return to ChampionsLeague football next season and also to challenge for the Premier League title.
Man Utd clinched three trophies in 2016-17, but now they have released their superstar striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic after a serious cruciate ligament knee injury in April ended his Red Devils career.
Sources reveal that Wayne Rooney is also on the brink of Man Utd exit and the Red Devils desperately need to add a lot of firepower and creativity in their attack in a bid to bring back their glory old days.
And after losing out on Antoine Griezmann due to Atletico Madrid’s transfer embargo, Man Utd are now keen on roping in Morata but are yet to agree in principle with Real Madrid over a deal for the Spanish striker.
Real Madrid have turned down United’s initial £52million bid for Alvaro Morata, and it is believed that they are holding out for an offer in the region of £78.6m for the Spanish striker.
FootTheBall sources reveal that Ribalta will play a very important role in Man Utd’s transfer business and will monitor the targets alongside executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and Jos Mourinho.
Pablo Longoria, who worked in Ribalta’s scouting department at Juventus, said: “He has understood the Italian philosophy and adapts to the types of players required at each club.”
Juventus released a statement on Friday that read: “Juventus Football Club announces that, after five years of successful cooperation, the Scouting Manager Javier Ribalta will leave the club to pursue a new professional adventure.”
“In thanking him for the professionalism demonstrated in recent years, Juventus Football Club wishes Javier every success in the continuation of his career.”