Pavel Šulc reveals Juventus move failed over Lyon financial valuation

The Allure of Turin and a Stalled Serie A Deal

Speaking to Czech media outlet Seznam Zpravy, the 25-year-old attacker detailed how the interest from Italian giants Juventus initially presented an exciting prospect for his career. The proposed move to Serie A checked multiple boxes for the player and his partner, Natali, given the club’s history, stadium, and the presence of a strong Czech contingent in Italy. However, the deal stalled because the incoming financial proposal failed to meet Lyon’s valuation for the forward.

“When the Juventus caller reached out, I was a bit dazed,” Šulc said in the interview. “A big club, a fantastic history, a magnificent stadium, Italy, a strong Czech presence… That is exactly what my girlfriend Natali and I liked. If both clubs had agreed, I certainly wouldn’t have been against it. But the offer wasn’t interesting enough, so it fell through.”

High Valuations and Recurring Market Hurdles

Throughout the summer market, recurring discussions followed a similar pattern. According to the player, prospective clubs regularly approached Olympique Lyonnais, but negotiations broke down over the transfer fee demanded by the French club. Interested parties routinely assessed the valuation as too high for a 25-year-old.

“Clubs came forward, but in the end, they failed to reach a financial agreement with Lyon,” Šulc explained. “Each time, the interested club felt the amount requested for my transfer was too high and didn’t want to pay that much for me. I’m no longer a young 20-year-old prospect.”

Nationality and Market Perceptions in Europe

Addressing wider perceptions in the European transfer market, the Czech international suggested that player nationality continues to influence how clubs assess valuations and negotiate fees. He noted that moving might have been less complicated with a French or Portuguese passport, pointing to systemic valuation differences across different footballing nations.

“I wouldn’t want this to be misinterpreted, but I think if I had a Portuguese or French passport, I would probably sell myself more easily,” Šulc said.

Refusing Wrexham’s €40 Million Bid

In addition to Serie A interest, the player declined an approach from English second-tier side Wrexham AFC. The Welsh club was reportedly prepared to table a €40 million bid for the forward, an option that Šulc chose not to pursue.

Focus Restored Under Pierre Sage

The aborted Juventus move and summer transfer uncertainty left a brief mark on the player’s mindset heading into international duty, with the forward noting that the situation affected his focus during a major tournament period.