USMNT Star's Agent Explodes at Juventus Over 'Total Disrespect' in Transfer Saga
The representative of U.S. men's national team forward Tim Weah has publicly criticized Juventus for blocking a potential summer move to Olympique Marseille.
Weah has been connected to a possible transfer to Marseille during this transfer window after rejecting a proposed switch to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. The ex-Paris Saint-Germain and Lille attacker is believed to be focusing on a comeback to France before a crucial campaign as he seeks to secure a regular spot in Mauricio Pochettino's lineup for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The USMNT attacker, who was missing from the Concacaf Gold Cup roster this summer due to club obligations for the FIFA Club World Cup, finds himself in transfer uncertainty as the French club remains firm on their €15 million ($17.6 million) bid, according to The Athletic. The 25-year-old featured in only one Club World Cup match as a substitute in Juventus's opening group fixture against Al Ain.
Badou Sambague, Weah's representative, issued a frustrated statement regarding the stalled transfer negotiations.
"Juve is a fantastic club," he told The Athletic. "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..."
The player's camp believes a bid was previously accepted by Juventus general manager Damien Comolli, but the club are now reportedly seeking a €20 million ($23.5 million) valuation. Both clubs involved in the potential deal will participate in the Champions League this coming season, but Weah is said to be keen on joining Roberto De Zerbi at Marseille.
Weah has three years remaining on his Juventus deal and appears frustrated by a lost chance to represent his nation and make an impression on Pochettino during the Gold Cup.