Not so long ago, Juventus CEO Maurizio Arrivabene decided to adopt clear parameters regarding the Bianconeri’s transfer dealings. Long story short, the new management wants to invest in young promising players with big resale values, while ditching old, washed-up veterans with hefty wages.
Basically, no more Fabio Paratici-esque signings.
So what is a 34-year-old free agent (who requires a relatively high salary) doing on Federico Cherubini’s shortlist?
Well, they say rules are meant to be broken, and Juve’s pursuit of Angel Di Maria is a prime example on the validity of this statement.
However, the Argentine’s potential arrival isn’t the issue here. After all, Max Allegri is right in his assessment regarding the squad’s dire need for experienced players following the departure of Giorgio Chiellini and Paulo Dybala to a lesser degree.
But the fact that matters is that the winger appears to be reluctant to join us despite the fact that the management has absolutely surrendered to his main demands while he had no plans of meeting Juventus halfway.
Angel doesn’t want a two-year contract because he isn’t planning on staying too long? Ok, here’s a one-year deal which, by the way, prevents us from taking advantage of the Growth Decree.
Angel doesn’t like his 5.5M base salary? Fine, here’s a 7M contract.
Yet, Di Maria remains undecided, perhaps glancing towards the likes of Barcelona and Benfica.
Now surely we’re talking about one of the finest wingers in his generation, and one that would definitely be able to lend a hand for Dusan Vlahovic and company on the pitch, but if the hierarchy is willing to put its not-so-rigid parameters aside by pursuing a high-earning veteran on a short deal, then perhaps we should at least opt for someone who is rather convinced of joining our ranks.
Maybe Di Maria will eventually grow fond of Juventus (like others before him) after getting a feel from within, but succumbing to the demands of a stop-gap signing who only intends to use Juventus as a stepping stone to enhance his World Cup chances is hurting the club’s image and integrity, and might end up backfiring after all.
This is a good a deal for Juventus, it reminds me Evra, Dani Alves, Pirlo or Tevez, they came old but their performance helped Juventus to win titles, at the end is the most important thing for a team.
this is a good point, the only thing against this, apart from his possible attitude to the season which might be too casual, is the amount of fuss being made in the press. however, he`s getting what he wants so he might respond well to that. fingers crossed!
Pirlo and Tevez were comparatively younger though, but your point is valid as pertains to the other two. We do need experience, and Di Maria possesses oodles of it. He’s also not too shabby with the ball at his feet.
Completely different. Juve already had a solid base at that time. An identity as well. Now they dont know who they are anymore with three different coaches in three years. Does this guy want to come in here and really be a vocal point for this team for one year. To me it also sounds like he is doing it for himself. To make the world cup. What happens if he doesnt make the team. Hows he going to play for juve after christmas. Is he he going to start getting homsick for argentina and want his contract boughtout. Come on juve wake up. Stupid signing. These guys came hete because they wanted to be here.
absolutely not. he makes us look weak in the transfer market. Like we are begging him to sign with us. Those other older players we didnt need to beg for them to come. We were JUVE then, it was a privilege to play for us. So those older players jumped at the chance. We clearly do not hold the power in the di maria negotiations. It makes us look like a lesser club. We should move on.
we`d better sort it either way after today because as much as I feel he can work out, this has to be the final day. I just think of the money he can save for other things, but I get your point, too. Yeah if it goes on after today management have 0 pride and we are embarrassed even off the pitch!
Exactly, well said.
Please stop talking about backfiring.
It’s a short deal if it works, beautiful. If not, it’s a short deal!
And the thing about delay I feel it’s about his family and the cultural and language barrier. Does he want (and his family) to deal with those things at this late stage of his caree? That’s just my opinion
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So then just say it. Dont use juve as leverage or backup plan.
He is a top player for FREE. it is a no brainer just to grab him for sure, can be an asset no matter what even as a sub.. but if juve has the money to buy a younger stronger player that will be exciting! 🙂
Is he looking to stay in shape, or stay in form for the World Cup? What will his commitment be after?