Some players are comfortable playing in a particular type of league. Their playing style is best suited for that particular league and may struggle to replicate a similar type of performances elsewhere. And just because they failed in a different league doesn’t make them a bad player. For example, Juan Cuadrado.
The Colombian winger has played most of his playing career in Serie A. He struggled badly when he joined Chelsea for around €26m from Fiorentina in January 2015 and turned out to be a huge flop for the London outfit. He joined Juventus on loan last season and immediately regained his Midas touch.
Cuadrado made 14 appearances for the Blues without making any serious impact but scored four goals and provided six assists for the Bianconeri while on loan last season. Put it simply, Italian football is ideal for Cuadrado.
The question is will he be given a chance by Antonio Conte? The 28-year-old has returned to Chelsea following the end of his loan spell and has started his pre-season training with the Blues.
Cuadrado personally would love to return to Italy and continue playing at a top level. According to reports from Italy, AC Milan are keen to land the Chelsea winger. The player’s agent flew out to London on Sunday to open talks regarding a move back to Italy and Milan are closing in on signing Cuadrado.
The Rossoneri want to sign him on an initial loan with a view of making the deal permanent but the Blues want a direct transfer and won’t settle for less than €30m for the Colombian international.
AC Milan are certain to lose star striker Carlos Bacca this summer and the new Milan boss is keen to replace him with Cuadrado. Though not a like for like replacement, but Vincenzo Montella wants a wide player to round his attack.
Alessandro Lucci – who is Cuadrado and Montella’s agent – has flown out to London to convince Chelsea to reach a loan agreement for Cuadrado. Both the parties could agree to a loan with an option to buy.
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