Negative #2: Potential salary
This is the thing about free-agent signings, they lead you to believe that a club is acquiring the player for absolutely nothing. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Agresti reports that Di Maria’s age and potential salary are the two key deterrents from making a move. Tuttosport had previously reported that the Argentine could make up to €7m-a-year (plus bonuses) if he was to sign for the Bianconeri.
That’s a pretty hefty price for a 34-year-old, especially when you consider that the deal the club had agreed with Dybala last autumn wasn’t too far off that sum.
Thus, some supporters might fear the worst if Di Maria was to arrive on a two-year deal. At his age, the likelihood of injuries can’t be ruled out and Juventus could end up signing a player on high wages who struggles to adapt to calcio and spends much of his time on the sidelines.
But hey, let’s hope it doesn’t get to that.