Tim Weah's agent puts Juventus on blast for holding up Marseille transfer

New York Times

7 days ago

U.S. men's national team winger Tim Weah remains stuck in a transfer window standoff between Juventus and French club Olympique de Marseille – and the frustration seems to be mounting from the player's side.
Weah previously turned down a transfer to English Premier League side Nottingham Forest after Juventus came to terms. Instead, the 25-year-old has made it clear his preference is to move back to Ligue 1, where he previously played for Paris Saint-Germain and Lille.
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So far, however, the teams have not come to an agreement. Multiple reports indicate Marseille will not increase its offer beyond €15 million ($17.6 million), while Juventus is insisting on its €20 million ($23.5 million) valuation.
Weah's agent, Badou Sambague, expressed his frustration in a statement to The Athletic.
'Juve is a fantastic club,' Sambague wrote. 'The sporting department is managed by three persons. Two have class, and another is still searching himself [sic]. We cannot blame him. Two are looking for solutions, and one is creating problems. And we can't let that go. Tim Weah, is always professional, was left out during the [Club] World Cup. This person botched his [Club] World Cup, tried to force him to go where he wanted. Today, as revenge, he's demanding a fortune and waiting for a Premier League offer that won't come and will never be approved by us.
'These are old-fashioned methods that won't sit well with me. I'm not used to speaking out, but not doing so today would be accepting the unacceptable and total disrespect. Class can't be bought for a manager, that's for sure, but it has always been part of the history of Juventus. One person is undermining that. Let's see…'
Weah played just 45 minutes for Juventus during the FIFA Club World Cup this summer. Increasing that frustration is that he missed the Concacaf Gold Cup with the U.S. team in order to stay with Juve for the club competition.
At issue from the player's side is the belief that Juventus general manager Damien Comolli initially accepted a €14 million offer ($16.5 million), but now is insisting on the €20 million figure.
Weah is keen on the opportunity to play for OM manager Roberto De Zerbi, and Marseille has qualified for the Champions League. Weah has three years remaining on his contract with Juventus.
The Athletic has approached Juventus for comment.