Juventus fans are buzzing after a signing that would have looked unthinkable just days ago seems a near certainty to happen now.
Cristiano Ronaldo‘s shock arrival from Real Madrid, if the move is completed, is set to make the reigning Serie A champions an even more fearsome side. But it could also lead to some much-loved players departing the club, given Juve’s abundance of star attackers, not to mention a wage bill that is set to rise with Ronaldo in the squad.
Here’s a look at the five players most likely to leave as a direct result of Ronaldo being signed.
PAULO DYBALA
As mouthwatering a prospect as Dybala teaming up with Ronaldo would be, the Argentine is among the chief candidates to be sold if the Portugal star arrives.
The salary Ronaldo will command will leave little room for Juventus to pay hefty wages to too many other players, and as a rising star Dybala’s own wage demands are only set to rise. There will be plenty of clubs who will be able to meet those demands, but Juventus may not be one of them if Ronaldo’s on the books.
Dybala seems like the prime candidate to leave in the wake of a Ronaldo arrival.
Rating: 8/10
GONZALO HIGUAIN
Higuain and Ronaldo were great teammates at Madrid and the Argentine would no doubt love to renew the partnership. But although they play nominally different positions, the two players have the same role – being their team’s chief goalscorers.
Of course, a team can never have too many scorers. But like with Dybala, there’s the wage factor to consider. Higuain is the club’s highest earner, which makes him a prime candidate to be sold. And at 30, he may be looking for one final payday – one Juventus might not be able to give him.
Rating: 7/10
Higuain may not be reunited with Ronaldo after all.
JUAN CUADRADO
Giving up his shirt number may not be too big a problem for Cuadrado – although players can be possessive about these things – but Ronaldo’s arrival could push the Colombian further down the pecking order. Even though the two players play on opposite flanks, Cuadrado would be relegated to being a fifth option for Juventus in attack if the other stars stay.
Douglas Costa has usurped him for the starting right wing spot, and Juve have just paid €46million to make Costa’s transfer permanent after an impressive season on loan from Bayern Munich. Juventus rarely play with wingbacks now, reducing Cuadrado’s starting opportunities and thus making it even more likely he leaves.
Rating: 9/10
The No7 shirt may not be the only thing Cuadrado will have to give up.
MARIO MANDZUKIC
Although he’s something of a cult hero for Juventus, Mandzukic is already a utility player for the club. And the utility he has is as a tall, physically imposing player who can play either through the middle or on the wings.
Sound familiar? Those qualities will be made redundant by Ronaldo, who can do the same things, but better, along with bringing much more to the table. Coupled with the fact that they’re both roughly the same age but one is a clearly better player, Mandzukic’s days look numbered.
Rating: 8/10
Ronaldo can do everything Mandzukic can, but better.
DOUGLAS COSTA
As mentioned earlier, Costa is, for the moment, this summer’s big-money signing for Juventus, and it’s unlikely they’d sell a player having just forked out €46million to make him a permanent transfer, especially after the way he thrived at the club last season.
But stranger things have happened. Ronaldo’s arrival may push Costa out of a regular starting spot – it certainly will if Higuain and Dybala both remain at the club – and if that happens, suddenly the Brazilian is an expensive substitute rather than a value-for-money starter. Plus, Juventus have a highly-rated youngster waiting in the wings for Costa’s position in Federico Bernardeschi.
Rating: 4/10
Costa’s just been made a permanent signing.
