The intersection of transfer market dynamics and on-field decisions at the FIFA Club World Cup has come into stark relief for Juventus, as winger Timothy Weah and promising youngster Samuel Mbangula were both left off the bench for Juve’s 5–2 defeat to Manchester City.
Coach Igor Tudor later confirmed that the duo’s omission was market-driven, not tactical.
Juventus had reached agreement with Nottingham Forest on a dual transfer reportedly worth around €22–23 million—€15 million for Weah and €7–8 million for Mbangula—to boost the club’s coffers and balance its books.
However, the deal unraveled when the American international Weah declined the personal terms offer. Confirmed by Fabrizio Romano, Weah’s refusal effectively collapsed the whole transaction, including the intended move for Mbangula.
The fallout was swift. Nottingham Forest ended negotiations entirely, leaving Mbangula’s potential switch in limbo. Juventus, keen to comply with financial regulations, saw their anticipated sale fall apart, leaving both players in a state of uncertainty.
Agent Speaks Out
Weah’s agent, Badou Sambague, issued a scathing statement aimed at Juventus: “Seeing people behave this way for money and selfish reasons disappointed me a lot. It’s a shame. As long as I’m here, no one will push the players I represent around like puppets.”
His strong words follow social media posts from both players expressing their frustration—Weah’s message, for example, started with: “God, when life feels heavy and hope runs thin…” .
What’s Next for the Juventus Duo?
Juventus has since confirmed that Trans-Atlantic exile is unlikely; both Weah and Mbangula have returned to Turin and will rejoin first‑team training ahead of the club’s Round of 16 clash with Real Madrid.
However, neither Tudor nor the club envisions them as integral to the squad moving forward—both remain available for transfer as the club seeks new suitors
Following the collapse of the Nottingham Forest deal, Juventus will await fresh offers to secure their sale.
With the club determined to reduce its wage bill and adhere to budget constraints, an exit for one or both players appears inevitable—it’s simply a matter of timing and who breaks first at the negotiating table.
