In 2020, the Bosnian international striker Edin Dzeko had reportedly reached a confidential agreement to transfer to Juventus, according to his former representative, Silvano Martina. However, the move was ultimately thwarted by AS Roma.
Even in his late thirties, Dzeko continues to showcase his enduring talent. He recently scored a pivotal goal for his national team, contributing to a 1-1 draw against Wales before securing a penalty shootout victory, which positioned his country for a significant World Cup play-off final against Italy.
Throughout his illustrious career, Dzeko has been a prominent figure in Serie A, notably playing for Roma and Inter. However, his journey in Italian football could have taken a significantly different turn, as confirmed by Martina.
The Near Miss: Dzeko’s Almost-Move to Juventus
“Dzeko had already put pen to paper with Juventus,” Martina revealed in an interview with La Stampa newspaper. “Everything was finalized with Fabio Paratici (then Juventus sporting director), but then Roma intervened, stating they would not release him. This was primarily because Arek Milik’s medical examination had failed, leaving Roma without a suitable replacement.”
Martina added, “Consequently, Dzeko eventually joined Inter on a free transfer at the season’s conclusion. Paratici, unable to wait any longer for Dzeko, proceeded to secure a deal for Alvaro Morata instead.”
Despite the physical demands, Dzeko was anticipated to feature prominently in that crucial World Cup qualifier. Martina praised his longevity: “He continues to perform at this age due to his exceptional professionalism. He consistently covers significant ground, often exceeding 10km per game. While he may have lost some pace, he remains a lethal finisher when provided with the right opportunities. He was particularly motivated for that specific match.”
In Serie A, Dzeko boasts an impressive record of 279 appearances, 107 goals, and 50 assists. He was crowned Serie A Capocannoniere (top scorer) in 2017 while playing for Roma with 29 goals. Later in his career, he secured two Coppa Italia trophies and two Supercoppa Italiana titles during his tenure with Inter Milan.
