Juan Cuadrado closing in on contract extension

STADIO OLIMPICO, TORINO, ITALY - 2021/10/02: Juan Cuadrado of Juventus Fc in action during the Serie A match between Torino Fc and Juventus Fc. Juventus fc wins 1-0 over Torino Fc. (Photo by Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images)
STADIO OLIMPICO, TORINO, ITALY - 2021/10/02: Juan Cuadrado of Juventus Fc in action during the Serie A match between Torino Fc and Juventus Fc. Juventus fc wins 1-0 over Torino Fc. (Photo by Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Juventus are reportedly close to agreeing a contract extension with veteran Juan Cuadrado, whose current deal expires next summer.

Cuadrado joined the club permanently in 2017 following a successful loan spell and has gone on to make 229 appearances for the Bianconeri, registering 74 goal contributions in the process. The Colombian’s versatility has been imperative for Juve over the years, but his importance has only just started to be realised.

The 33-year-old was a model of consistency under Andrea Pirlo as a right-back last season, with the return of Massimiliano Allegri seeing him return to a more advanced role.

Cuadrado’s scored just once this season and is yet to register an assist, but he holds marked tactical value to his pragmatic boss. We saw him fulfil a crucial function in Juve’s statement victory over Chelsea last week.

Thus, despite his age, Juventus and Allegri have been keen to extend the Colombian’s contract at the club.

Agreement close

Juan Cuadrado is an invaluable member of this Juventus side. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)
Juan Cuadrado is an invaluable member of this Juventus side. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)

An extension has been in the works for some time, and recent reports suggest the parties involved just need to complete the formalities in negotiations.

La Stampa journalist Antonio Barilla told TuttoJuve (via Football Italia) the negotiations are at an advanced stage.

“Cuadrado? Yes, there is already an agreement in principle for the renewal. Juve and Cuadrado’s entourage are still talking, there are just a few details missing.”

While details on the potential agreement are scarce, Juventus will likely offer the 33-year-old no more than a two-year extension. The Colombian will be an important asset to possess amid Juventus’ long-term project. His experience is invaluable, while he’s shown no sign of slowing down on the field.

He was impressive off the bench in Juve’s recent Derby della Mole triumph over Torino.

Juventus are also hopeful of reaching an agreement with Paulo Dybala over a new deal. However, seemingly no progress has been made since our last report. The Argentine’s injury may have stalled negotiations for the time being.