Barcelona have reportedly moved ahead of Manchester United and other potential suitors in a deal to bring Juan Cuadrado to the Nou Camp.
The 26-year-old winger has dreamed of joining Barcelona since childhood and has chosen to join them over rivals according to The Express.
The move, which is expected to cost over £30 million, could now go through very soon with the player sure of where he wants to play next season. He has already informed Fiorentina that they should listen to Barcelona’s offer for him.
Despite apparently reaching agreement to personal terms with Manchester United, Cuadrado now looks set to snub Louis van Gaal and instead choose to sign for Spanish giants Barcelona. This will be a huge disappointment to Manchester United. They have been chasing the winger for much of the summer and will now have to look to other targets.
Cuadrado grabbed attention at the 2014 World Cup. He was a star performer in the Colombia squad that was so impressive in Brazil, reaching the quarter-finals. The winger was an integral member of the side and has been for several years, amassing 31 caps.
While his club career has been less high profile, he has still impressed. He left Udinese in 2012 and joined Fiorentina where has become a player. Since his move, he has played in 68 league games and scored 16 goals.
The signing continues the overhaul of the Barcelona squad that new manager Luis Enrique has brought about. Following a hugely disappointing season the European powerhouse and already signed a number of new players as well as allowing stars such as Cesc Fabregas and Alexis Sanchez to leave as they look to move in a new direction. Nathan Gibson
Eoin
Aug 12, 2014 at 5:21 pm
Nobody knows who United are trying to buy. They could sign some one out of the blue next week like they did with Herrera and now Rojo is the latest addition to transfer speculation. Think every United fan wil be happy once the window closes because it’s not been exciting and if anything sagas like this and the infamous Vidal saga are just tiresome.
Justin
Aug 12, 2014 at 6:37 pm
What I don’t understand is that Cuadrado is a winger, not a right back!!! We have a promising right back in the form of Montoya and more than enough wingers. What we need is a left back, like Blind. Then Alba can play as a replacement LB or a winger, the same goes for Adriano.