According to Spanish and Italian sources, Juventus are in talks with Barcelona midfielder Javier Mascherano.
Catalan newspaper Sport claim that the Bianconeri and Mascherano have an in agreement in place while Sky Sports Italia are also reporting similar news.
The Sport UK website claims that Mascherano looked out of sorts following Barcelona’s Copa Del Rey victory, ‘alone, shut down, exactly the opposite of his team-mates who partied like it was their first time.’
Trusted Italian transfer journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reports in a similar vein that Juventus have met with Mascherano’s ‘entourage’ but as yet, there’s no contact with Barcelona. Allegri is an admirer of the player who is capable of playing in midfield and defence.
According to the report, Mascherano wants to leave Barca and is looking for a new experience. Juventus have contacted his agent directly who has confirmed the player’s availability for a move.
Sky Sports Italia suggest the transfer fee and a 3-year salary could set Juventus back somewhere in the region of €30m.
The 31-year-old has reportedly agreed a three-year deal, in principle, with Juve however Barcelona are apparently reluctant to see him go and will not sanction the transfer.
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I hope not. Not the sort of deals we should be making. The guy is a medaicore player going on 32 years. His only benefit would be as a support midfielder on the bench.
I hope he is not Gomes’ other option – it would be a grave mistake.
We need Gomes, Pjanic, Benatia & Sime. If Morata leaves maybe Cavani or Lukaku.
We really dont need Mascherano.
Split vote so far – My only conerns would be the cost and the salary – other than that, he’s a player that still has plenty of fight in him – dogged and determined, can rotate between 2 midfield roles and play as a CB. He has said in the past he would want a move to Italy.
I’m inclined to say ‘yes’ to a deal like this – would patch up the midfield, cover for injured players and he’s a fighter and a winner who knows what it takes to play at the absolute peak
my issue with him is his age, his legs will fail him.
Well players can go on longer these days due to training methids, diet etc. Look at Barzagli & Evra – both will be 37 when the new deals expire. But I agree this is not a player we need. If there is any truth in this we seem to be in a blindfolded ‘throw a dart and see what it hits’ condition at the minute – not knowing what we really need, but trying to land someone and see where they can fit in. We have not replaced Pirlo’s creativity / magic in any way since he left. Even with Pogba at his peak we often seem far too mundane for my liking. We need some magic in midfield!
i hate to say it, but 3 of the 4 goals bayern scored against Juve came from Evra’s side. of which 2 were headed in where Barzagli was positioned. They’re both solid (especially Barzagli), but im afraid their age let them down towards the end of that game. They got tired and couldnt keep up.
I dont like his antics at all, diving and crying all over the pitch. Rather not have him at Juve if I’m honest.
Same goes for Alves… These two should stay far far away!
And IF Juve are really keen on spending 30M for him over the next 3 years, I’d much rather put that money in the Pjanic deal. At least there’s some future in him.
Alves is probably even worse! Fuck both of them.
Pjanic would be a far better investment indeed.
this is the biggest joke i ve read for now lol, marrota would be crazy fuk to give 30m away for 31yo, 15m for 3yr contract and 15m to get him? no way, get one of pjanic, gomes or bentaleb(big fan of juve anyway+ wouldnt cost that much)
The wages and transfer fee combined total seem ridiculously high for a player who is turning 32. I think if we get Mascherano, we will be trying to fill two positions with one player, instead of getting a quality player in each. If this if to save money for a top drawer CAM or expensive striker if Morata leaves, then it makes more sense. If it’s not, then I don’t understand what the hell is happening.
This talk of signing Mascherano and renewing Padoin’s contract isn’t in line with what the club has been saying regarding reducing the average age of the defence, and only including players who are worthy of Juve in terms of quality. Rumours are always interesting but let’s wait for an official announcement before we can really start to question what is happening.
Its already denied by Barcelona, stating he isnt for sale. One for the BS pile!
So far i’ve read that:
– He has a 100m buyout clause which i’ve also been told is only aplicable in Spain
– He wants to leave and wants to come to Italy
– That it’s a done deal and all confirmed – He is a Juventus player
– He doesn;t want to leave but Barca are cashing in on him
– He has an agreement with Juve but the two clubs are yet to agree terms
– That Barca don’t want to sell him under any circumstances
So many conflicting stories – Perhaps the funniest thing is watch various Juventini (on Twitter) get flustered and upset at the prospect of him joining – Some because they believe it can;t happen, some because they think he’s too old etc.
We’ll report it here as best we can and see what happens – it may develop, it may all be nonsense….but either way, we can’t call ourselves a Juventus blog/website without covering the major Juve news of the day (even if ends up being nonsense)!
I would not mind this move at all. His is a world class defensive midfielder. He could work great in both the 3-5-2 and 4-3-1-2. He would be great in front of the defence. In my opinion Marchisio is better as a box to box midfielder. If we get this guy, then Marchisio could play the same role as back in the Pirlo days.
People say that he is old and slow. Pirlo was old and slow, but he was still world class.
interesting results on that poll – only 50% in favour – i expected it to be much higher – Personally, i am in favour of this kind of move – granted he’s getting on in years, but the same point can be made of Barzagli, Evra and various others.
The versatility of the man is what most appeals – CB/CM/DM – He can play more than one role and saves us buying another CB – we also get cover for Marchisio and a player than could play across the midfield 3, if needed. It eliminates the need to spend heavy on multiple areas.
The downside: The cost of the transfer, the possible salary implications…..but thats about it for me.
A quick stat that might help sway people:
Javier Macherano has made more tackles + interceptions (163) than any other player in the last 3 Champions League seasons