Is a swap deal involving Lukaku and Dybala a realistic possibility?

According to Sky Sports, Manchester United and Juventus have agreed a swap deal involving Romelu Lukaku and Paulo Dybala. The deal sounds like something from Football Manager. However, it makes sense on paper for all parties involved.

The report suggests that the deal will only go ahead if the Argentinian can agree terms with United, His agent is in England discussing a deal for the forward. Reportedly, the forward wants to meet Bianconeri boss Maurizio Sarri before making a decision over a move.

Both players endured difficult campaigns

The pair both endured different campaigns at club level last season, in fact, their worse in recent seasons of their careers. Obviously, neither is happy with their current situation.

Lukaku is believed to want to leave United as he is no longer guaranteed first-team football, as he is behind Marcus Rashford in the striker pecking order. A move to Juventus will not exactly guarantee him first-team football.

In fact, Lukaku would have a similar problem to what Dybala already faces, in that Cristiano Ronaldo would block his way to playing regular first-team football. Dybala made just 24 starts to Juventus last season, scoring just five goals. For a player of his standard, it was a poor return.

Maybe both could benefit from a change

Lukaku seemed unhappy at United last season. He started the campaign overweight and the fans seemed to get on his back straight away. For seemingly the first time in his senior football career, the 26-year-old lacked confidence. His finishing at times was poor and he just struggled for form.

The Belgium international seems to be obsessed with becoming a top striker. His ambition is not a bad thing, but unfortunately for him, his development seems to have stalled. However, some of that may be down to the player himself, as he seems to have rested on his laurels during his time at Old Trafford.

Dybala has for the last half a decade been considered a potential superstar. However, for some reason, he has just not developed in recent years, just like Lukaku in many ways.

He has been at Juventus for four years and maybe it is time for him to test himself somewhere else. The forward is unlikely to be playing regular first-team football in Turin in his favoured position next season. A switch to United could give him a new lease of life.

The swap makes sense

The papers and websites are full of these sorts of stories every day. It can be click bait or to sell newspapers. However, the deal would make sense. Neither player is in the best situation at their current club, so a move may prove to be a solution.

Lukaku is now odds of 1/3 to join Juventus in the summer transfer window. It seems the Bianconeri have jumped ahead of Serie A rivals Inter in the race for the striker.

Dybala seems reluctant to leave Juventus, which understandable. The Bianconeri are likely to be strong again next season, no doubt winning the Italian title while mounting a challenge for the Champions League.

Manchester United are no longer the big draw they used to be in their glory days, just a short few years ago under Sir Alex Ferguson. They are not in the Champions League either.

However, it seems that Dybala is in a rut at Juventus and there are very few clubs in Europe that could afford the striker. United are not a terrible option at all and a move would probably lead to a pay rise too.

There may be nothing in this story and it may just be the media making stuff up again. However, this deal should make a lot of sense to United especially, as they need to revamp their team. Signing a player like Dybala would be a step in the right direction.

Is a swap deal involving Lukaku and Dybala a realistic possibility?