Juventus’ talks with Juan Cuadrado over new contract hit a stumbling block
After opting against renewing the contract of Paulo Dybala, Juventus still have to make several decisions regarding the futures of other notable first-teamers, including Juan Cuadrado.
Cuadrado, along with Federico Bernardeschi, Mattia Perin and Mattia De Sciglio, are all well into the final year of their current deals. The club have discussed new contracts with each of these players, but progression in talks has been hard to come by.
There has always been a willingness on Cuadrado’s behalf to extend his stay in Turin, and negotiations with the Colombian weren’t initially expected to be an issue. However, Juve, as they did with Dybala, are having second thoughts over the renewal of the versatile veteran.
Juventus are currently unwilling to match Juan Cuadrado’s contract demands
Cuadrado currently earns €5M, his contract includes an option to renew, same money for 1 season, Juve aren’t willing to exercise this. Probable solution: 2/yr contract at €2.5M. Juan is waiting for Juve, but in the meantime he is looking around. (@FabDellaValle / @Gazzetta_it) pic.twitter.com/81GxknfLvc
— JuveFC (@juvefcdotcom) April 11, 2022
After registering 11 Serie A assists from an advanced right-back function under Andrea Pirlo last season, Cuadrado has once again enjoyed a productive campaign with Max Allegri at the helm. Returning to midfield, the 33-year-old has eight league goal contributions and has often been Juve’s brightest attacking spark in drab performances.
His importance to the Bianconeri both on and off the pitch are underrated, and tying the veteran down for another one or two years would be a wise move from the club.
However, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport’s Fabiana Della Valle (via @JuveFC), talks with the Colombian international have hit a stumbling block. Juventus are reportedly unwilling to exercise Cuadrado’s option to extend by a further year – which is part of his current contract at the club – with his current salary (€5m).
Instead, Juve could look to tie the Colombian down for two years and lower his salary to €2.5m with the option of extending for a third year.
That is quite the pay cut, and while Cuadrado remains keen on staying with Juventus, he has started to explore alternative options. Considering the 33-year-old’s importance to Max Allegri, Juve’s strategy regarding contract talks with the player are certainly a little risky. Although, I can understand why the club are looking to lower the wage bill.