Timothy Weah has turned down a move to Nottingham Forest, resisting pressure from Juventus, who had hoped to offload the 25-year-old this summer. Weah’s agent, Badou Sambague, didn’t hold back in his response, accusing the Italian club of prioritizing profit over player welfare and attempting to force his client out.
The versatile United States international was reportedly part of a proposed £19.5m double deal involving his Juventus teammate Samuel Mbangula. Nottingham Forest made a formal approach for both players, hoping to bolster their ranks ahead of the new Premier League season. However, Weah’s rejection has complicated Juventus’ financial manoeuvring.
In the wake of the transfer drama, both Weah and Mbangula were noticeably absent from Igor Tudor’s squad in the 5-2 Club World Cup defeat to Manchester City. That omission only added fuel to the fire, prompting Sambague to publicly condemn Juventus via a statement shared by Fabrizio Romano:
“Weah is a fantastic player and fantastic teammate. To see people acting like this for money and because they are selfish disappointed me a lot. This is a shame… Until I’m here, nobody will push one of the players I advise to go on the right or on the left like a marionnette. I am happy that Timo has a top education and a top personality to stay focused on the game.”
Juventus’ Timothy Weah (Photo Credit: Getty)
Despite making 43 appearances for Juventus last season — including five goals and three assists in Serie A, his best season statistically — Weah now finds himself in limbo. Juventus are eager to sell in order to comply with financial regulations and reinvest in their squad, much like their dealings last summer when they sold players to Aston Villa to finance the signing of Douglas Luiz.
While a transfer to Forest is off the table for now, Weah’s future remains uncertain. Juventus’ financial position means a loan or permanent exit is still on the cards, even if it’s not to the Premier League. Weah, who has netted seven goals and provided seven assists in 78 games for Juventus, has proven his value as a utility man, but whether he stays in Turin or moves elsewhere, his agent has made one thing clear — he won’t be forced out without a fight.
