Barcelona are ready to make an approach for Colombian international, Juan Cuadrado. The attacker is currently at Juventus on a three-year loan as he moved to Turin in the summer of 2015 an initial loan and then rejoined the Italian side this summer on deadline day.
According to reports in the British media, there is a clause in the 28-year-old’s contract which allows for the Italian side to make him a permanent signing. Currently, the Bianconeri are paying a sum of £5million a season to Chelsea to have him on loan.
However, it is now believed that the Blaugrana are interested in pipping the Italian champions to a permanent deal and are thinking of smuggling the Colombian to the Nou Camp.
Replacement for Dani Alves
This summer saw Dani Alves move to Juventus after eight seasons at the Nou Camp leaving a notable void has at right-back. Barcelona have experimented with the likes of Aleix Vidal and Sergio Roberto this campaign with the latter especially impressing Luis Enrique.
Nevertheless, varying reports have stated that Enrique, visions him as a natural wing back and considers the addition of the forward/winger as a strengthening of the squad. Barcelona have tracked the Colombian since his Fiorentina days but were beaten to his signature by Chelsea in January 2015.
This though hasn’t abated the interest of the club as they continue their search for a right-back. Earlier this month, there were rumours of Barcelona approaching Arsenal for Hector Bellerin. However that particular rumour fizzled out and instead according to reports in ESPNFC, sources close to the club have now revealed that the Gunners are looking to tie Bellerin to a new deal and secure his future at the Emirates Stadium.
Stumbling block
Cuadrado may be a viable option for Barca but the Colombian will not come cheap. Reports have revealed that the major stumbling block is the Colombian’s transfer fee. Barcelona will have to part with €20 million for his services.
Barcelona, currently lie in the second position in the Deloitte Football Money League and have revenue of €560 million as per recent records. However, the club is looking for a much “cheaper” player. Understandably, the club is hesitant to fork out a sum for a player who is already in his late 20’s.
Although footballers hit their prime in their late 20s, Barcelona is looking for a long-term replacement. If Cuadrado does arrive at the Nou Camp, it will be interesting to observe how Enrique plans to use the forward/winger as right back is not the natural position of the Colombian.
More Football news, transfer rumours, analysis and features at Sportskeeda.com
