Why Juan Cuadrado Would Be a Huge Signing for Barcelona

Recent reports from Sky Sports claim that Fiorentina star Juan Guillermo Cuadrado will be allowed to leave this summer if the right offer comes in, once again fueling rumors of a heated battle between Barcelona and Manchester United over the Colombian.

Depending on whom you ask, Cuadrado is on the verge on joining one of the football giants leaving both fan groups with a sense of excitement and hope. Rumors will likely continue to swirl until an official decision is made, but that can’t stop speculation at this point.

If Barcelona are able to get their man, it could be yet another huge step in the summer transfer window that would see the Catalans building for titles. But just what would Cuadrado bring to La Blaugrana?

Signing the Colombian would be a huge move for Barcelona, and here is why.

The days of Dani Alves streaking down the right flank are in the rearview mirror. The Brazilian right-back recently turned 31 and over the last two seasons he has not been the player that Barcelona have come to expect.

With the recent growth of Martin Montoya, an argument can be made that it is time for Alves to start taking a lesser role at the club. While it is clear that he is still one of the best in the game at his position, his age has caught up to him and it is time that Barcelona make a decision for the future.

That is where Cuadrado comes in.

Felipe Dana/Associated Press

At 26 years of age, the Colombian is entering the prime of his career and would arguably be a like-for-like replacement of Alves, with more potential for growth. Signing the Fiorentina man could even been seen as an upgrade over the 31-year-old, while the move would also be a step forward in shoring up that position for the foreseeable future as well.

Like Alves, Cuadrado is fast and loves to attack. He can cross the ball and take shots from ridiculous places on the pitch. He is more than capable featuring as a winger and is comfortable with the ball at his feet.

Also like Alves, the Colombian can be a bit lazy in defense. Constantly attacking leaves the defense open for counters, however, there is a way to cover for that problem—a new formation.

With the signings of Jeremy Mathieu and Thomas Vermaelen, there is reason to believe that Barcelona could begin using a 3-4-3 formation under Luis Enrique. Were that the case, signing Cuadrado would make perfect sense.

Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press

Cuadrado would be able to play more of a wing-back role, a position he highly excels at. While Alves would do the same in that formation, Cuadrado would be more accustomed to it as he played there frequently at Fiorentina.

It is not yet known if “Lucho” will opt for a new formation at all, but bringing in the Colombian would give him that option and luxury. Playing a 3-4-3 would also give the Catalans more freedom to alter their game plan to suit different opponents, as they could play their normal style or utilize a double pivot or wing-backs.

Truthfully, Barcelona would have to pay a lot of money to sign Cuadrado. As of now, the Colombian won’t be moving, but that could change at any moment. While it would cost an arm and a leg to sign Cuadrado, there is no question over just how successful he could be for La Blaugrana.

Of course, signing the 26-year-old would also mean Dani Alves would likely be on the way out. Then again, Enrique has returned to the Camp Nou to usher in a new age of Barcelona, and that could mean more changes to the squad, the formation and the style.

The jury is still out on whether or not Cuadrado will be wearing the Blaugrana shirt this season, but if he does make the move, Cules have every right to celebrate.

What would Cuadrado bring to Barcelona? Should the club splash the cash on the Colombian? Leave your thoughts and comments below!