West Ham United have been linked with a move for Juventus star Juan Cuadrado as they look to further strengthen their team.
The Hammers, under the tutelage of Manuel Pellegrini, finished tenth in the Premier League standings last season, and will look to improve on that next season.
According to Italian outlet Calcio Mercato, the Hammers have their sights on Cuadrado. However, West Ham are expected to compete with AS Roma and Inter Milan for the Colombian.
Juan Cuadrado: Profile
Cuadrado emerged through the youth ranks of Colombian side Independiente Medellin, and after representing their senior side for a season back in his country, he signed for Udinese.
He rose to prominence with Fiorentina, however, as his dazzling performances helped him cement his spot in the 2014 World Cup squad for Colombia and impress in Brazil. Eventually, Chelsea lured him to the Stamford Bridge in the winter transfer window of 2015.
Cuadrado, however, couldn’t cement his place in the Chelsea first-team and was sent to Juventus on loan in the summer of 2015. A renewed loan agreement after a season and a subsequent permanent transfer towards the end of the 2016-17 season saw him leave Chelsea without making much of an impact.
Despite being an important player for the Italian giants until last season, the 31-year-old found opportunities hard to come by in the previous campaign after spending four months out due to knee surgery. He mustered just 18 league appearances last season, and he managed to score just one goal.
Will Cuadrado be a statement signing for West Ham United?
A clever passer of the ball, Cuadrado still has it in him to stretch opposition defences and can also pull off some spectacular crosses.
Cuadrado’s defensive contribution isn’t his strongest asset, but he became a household name because of his work in the attacking third.
Technically gifted, Cuadrado is also a good dribbler of the ball, and would add more potency to the West Ham flanks.
The 31-year old versatile asset and has the capability to play anywhere down the right.
The Colombian international is a proven player and is still only 31, so he far from done yet. A definite statement signing if the Hammers can lure him to the London stadium ahead of Inter Milan and AS Roma.