Juventus was able to secure the services of Napoli talisman Gonzalo Higuain, smashing the transfer record previously held in Serie A, paying around 90 million euros for the striker’s services. The 28-year-old broke a previous record in the Italian top flight, as he scored 36 goals in 35 matches to secure CL qualification for the side from Naples. This transfer is an interesting one, as it fulfills several boxes for the Turin side. Juventus ultimately weaken Napoli, as there is no one in the market that can replace his stats like-for-like. Juventus also lacked a dedicated and consistent goalscorer, Mandzukic can be a frustrating figure; while Alvaro Morata’s weakness was his inability to score a large number of goals. Indeed, a partnership of Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain can potentially become an incredible duo.
This is ultimately a transfer focused on Europe. Serie A, as promising the likes of Roma and Napoli could be, is simply under Juventus’ thumb so far until the possibility of Chinese foreign investment can come in for Milan and Inter. Juventus, whether or not they bought Higuain, are heavy favorites to once again with the Scudetto come May. The true litmus test will be in the Champions League, when the Italian side will inevitably face the likes of Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. Whether or not Higuaín can convert the chances against those caliber of sides will indicate whether the transfer fee is indeed worth it. History has shown that this can easily backfire on the Northern Italian side. Besides the striker’s notorious misses in the international finals while playing for Argentina, the former Napoli man has had his own problems at club level. He scored 107 goals in 190 apps for Real Madrid from 2007-2013 in the league; while scoring 8 goals in 48 apps for the Spanish capital side in the Champions League. These are abysmal numbers for a number 9 that had the likes of Mesut Ozil and Angel Di Maria playing alongside him.
Whether or not Higuain has exorcised his demons remained to be seen. The true mettle of whether or not the fee was worth it will be on the big stage. This is Juventus’ statement to Europe that they mean to invest to stay at the top; one that can work charmingly, or crash and burn.
Michael Skok
Football Editor for
Polish-American Portal www.Poland.us
More on: www.mikesgoal.com
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