Inter Milan’s move to sign Juventus veteran Juan Cuadrado may appear improbable – but there’s plenty of logic to the move.
This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, who highlight the role that both Nerazzurri CEO Beppe Marotta and coach Simone Inzaghi have played in bringing the Colombian across the Derby d’Italia divide.
A report emerged yesterday that Inter have agreed a short-term contract to sign ex-Bianconeri, Chelsea, and Fiorentina wingback Cuadrado on a free transfer.
The reaction to this news largely centred around the 35-year-old’s longstanding Bianconeri allegiances.
Cuadrado has played for Juventus for eight years. He was won several trophies with the Bianconeri, and been a stalwart under several different coaches.
The Colombian has also clashed with Inter on numerous occasions. And, more often than not, he has not exactly endeared himself to either Nerazzurri fans or players.
So in that respect, Cuadrado’s arrival will come as something of a shock to the system.
Looking at it from other angles, however, the Gazzetta argue that it makes perfect sense.
Why Inter Milan Decided To Sign Juventus Veteran Juan Cuadrado
Inter still have a great deal of transfer business to do this summer.
Signing a right-wingback is one of the Nerazzurri’s priorities before the transfer window closes.
The departure of Raoul Bellanova means that only Denzel Dumfries remains in the squad as a specialist right-sided wide man.
Matteo Darmian will likely be used mainly as a defender on the right of a back three. Therefore, the Nerazzurri have been looking for another player who can back up and provide competition for Dumfries.
Spezia’s Emil Holm, Torino’s Wilfried Singo, and Club Brugge’s Tajon Buchanan have all emerged on Inter’s shortlist.
However, those sorts of players would require a significant investment.
The problem for Inter is that would be money that they may wish to spend elsewhere. This comes as the Nerazzurri are also going after targets like Folarin Balogun, Lazar Samardzic, and Merhi Demiral.
Marotta, Inzaghi & Cuadrado All Sponsor The Move
Therefore, Cuadrado represents an enticing option for Inter CEO Marotta in particular.
The experienced executive certainly has a reputation for exploiting free transfer opportunities. Part of his strategy is to use these kinds of signings to make necessary reinforcements without using up much of the budget – that way, the team can spend big elsewhere.
That appears to be the thinking behind signing Cuadrado ahead of a younger player.
And for Nerazzurri coach Inzaghi, Cuardrado would be a welcome addition.
The 47-year-old is a longstanding admirer of the Colombian. In his bid to finally win the Serie A title, Inzaghi wants proven, immediate quality to rely on, and Cuadrado certainly provides that down the right.
As for the player, a move from Juventus to Inter may look improbable.
But Cuadrado has been searching for one last big opportunity in Europe after a parting of ways with the Bianconeri. At 35, he is still not ready to bow out of Europe and join a league like the Saudi Pro League.
The 35-year-old knows Serie A, and won’t have any struggle to adapt, at least on the pitch.
Whether Cuadrado can endear himself to his new teammates and fans is another question. But on the pitch, it could be a short-term move that makes sense for all parties invovled.