Argentinian striker Gonzalo Higuain wants to stay at Italian champions Juventus for the rest of his two-year contract. The imminent arrival of Italian boss Maurizio Sarri from Chelsea is believed to be the key reason.
Sarri signed Higuain on-loan from the Bianconeri in the January transfer window. The Blues have the option of signing him on a permanent deal this summer, despite their transfer ban. However, they look unlikely to take up the option of a permanent deal.
Brother states he wants to stay
Higuain’s brother and agent Nicolas is quoted by Sky Sports as saying: “Gonzalo wants to respect his contract and therefore stay with Juventus for another two years,”
“His performances at Juve have been good and playing for another team in Italy isn’t a workable solution.
“I don’t want to disrespect anyone, but if Gonzalo plays in Italy again then it will only be for Juve, who own him. I think this could be Gonzalo’s year. He has so much strength and determination, and he wants to end his career at Juve.”
The move represents a massive U-turn for the striker, who spent last season at two different clubs on loan. He had previously been linked with a switch to Roma, which the above statement obviously rules out.
Serie A suits his game
In truth, Higuain struggled during his stint at Chelsea. The experienced forward seemed to find the pace and physical nature of the league too much. The Italian top-flight is physical but is not as fast-paced as its English counterpart.
Higuain has thrived in Serie A with Napoli and Juventus before an ill-fated loan move to AC Milan last summer after the arrival of Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. In fact, the striker scored 71 goals in 104 league appearances for Napoli and 40 goals in 73 Serie A for the Bianconeri.
The arrival of Sarri in Turin would be good news for the 31-year-old, who is a big fan of the French-born striker. He does face stiff competition for the Bianconeri attack from not only Ronaldo but also Paolo Dybala, although his compatriot has been linked with a summer exit.
However, it would not be a massive surprise if the striker featured on a regular basis for the Italian giants next season under Sarri.
Still has goals in him
At 31 years of age, Higuain looked off the pace in the Premier League. However, he is far from finished in the game and still has goals left in him. Juventus will need those goals as they look to retain their Serie A title and challenge for the Champions League.
The Bianconeri will start the campaign as favourites for the former but will have their work cut to win the Champions League. If Higuain hits anything like the form he can, then he could well prove to be a good asset to Juventus.
Only time will tell if his return to Turin will be a triumph. One thing that is for sure is that he is definitely better off in the Italian top-flight than he is in the Premier League.
Will Gonzalo Higuain enjoy a successful return to Juventus?
