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EXCLUSIVE: Will Juventus buy Cuadrado?
Having been one of Juventus’ better players since he joined on loan from Chelsea during the summer, the transfer rumours mill has been awash with talk of the Peruvian international making his move to the Bianconeri a permanent one.
Oddly enough, the price isn’t the issue, or rather, convincing Chelsea to part from a player Jose Mourinho sees as surplus to requirements won’t be overly difficult. Considering how Chelsea asked the Bianconeri for €27 million earlier this summer, the two clubs won’t have any problem agreeing to a sum between €20 and €22 million (plus bonuses), considering how Juventus have already paid €1,5 million for the loan.
Rather, the big stumbling block looks to be whether the Bianconeri are ready to commit to Cuadrado or not. Over twenty million for a player who has been good is a lot if that player were to tie the team to a certain style of play.
As it stands, Juventus General Director Giuseppe Marotta wants to keep his options open. The Peruvian has yet to be decisive in key moments, and keeping him would likely mean a shift to 4-3-3, and the arrival of wingers, of which Juventus is in short supply.
Juventus are, moreover, far from assured of earning Champions League qualification, and removing that particular source of income would severely affect the Bianconeri’s transfer policy, even if Paul Pogba were to leave for a king’s ransom.
The Old Lady is known for being prudent. Going all out on someone like Cuadrado may not be consistent with this, especially if Massimiliano Allegri is no longer there next year. Would Cuadrado be a part of his eventual replacement’s plans?
