In a transfer battle that seems to go on and on, The Metro recently ran an article suggesting that Manchester United were still slugging it out with Chelsea for Fiorentina star Juan Cuadrado.
But there has been a new development. The source notes that Barcelona have withdrawn their interest in the Colombian winger. Instead, The Spanish powerhouse are looking to bring in Sao Paulo full-back Douglas. Not exactly like-for-like, but there you go.
If this is true, it’s great news for the Premier League as a whole. With Barcelona out of the picture, Cuadrado looks likely to wind up at a British club. But who’s set to win this battle: Manchester United or Chelsea?
It’s certainly Manchester United who have the more pressing need. Whilst The Blues have some threat down their flanks, the same can’t really be said for The Red Devils.
Nani looks completely disinterested. Ashley Young hasn’t been an effective force for quite some time. Antonio Valencia’s form comes and goes. Their best option in this department is a teenager, Adnan Januzaj.
Still, Juan Cuadrado’s good enough to improve either squad. In two seasons at Fiorentina, he’s made 83 appearances for the Italian side and has found the back of the net 20 times. His displays at this summer’s World Cup were also impressive. He made 4 assists and scored once as Colombia made it to the quarter finals.
At 26-years-old, Cuadrado should now be at the peak of his game. He looks ready for a move to a top club. Given this, I can’t help but feel that Manchester United is the better fit. He’ll get more game time at Old Trafford and more opportunities to prove that he’s the real deal.
Not so long ago, Goal.com published an article claiming that Cuadrado could be available for £40m. That’s a lot of money, but it’s certainly within The Red Devils’ financial wheelhouse. Let’s just hope that Chelsea don’t throw a spanner in the works.
What’s your take? Where does Juan Cuadrado’s future lie? Who should win this transfer battle: Manchester United or Chelsea?
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United need him more I thought the job was done. Playing against Sunderland maybe, I right
Nothing is done or clear no more for united just a load of bull shit storyline that we are linked to top players when the truth is united don’t have pulling power to get top players any more, its upsetting to watch the transfer window this year and last year!
He’s supposed to be in contract extension talks with Fiorentina at the moment. I keep reading that United have bid on him, I can’t understand why not yet, if they haven’t. This guy will create endless hassles just like Valencia did when he started with Man U. Valencia & Coudrado can both play the new right wing-back position. We have bugger-all threat up the right wing without Valencia. Coudrado will force opposition to dedicate more resources on him, giving our midfield more time on the ball when their chance comes. A good left wingback, CM needed too, with Coudrado – HEAVEN.