The buying and selling of human beings was rightfully outlawed a long time ago. Except with footballers, these people are okay to buy. It is often, and I don’t use the phrase lightly, silly money that a club pays to get an extra pair of legs, with all the bits of man attached, to kick a ball about for them. Oisin McQueirns, details one such recent transfer cash splash, on an Argentine no less.
In a bid to win their 6th straight Serie A title, Juventus have today completed the signing of striker Gonzalo Higuain from Napoli.
The Argentine moves to Turin in a deal worth a staggering €90 million, and becomes the most expensive signing in Serie A history- and the third most expensive signing of all time.
Higuain was the Italian league’s top scorer last season bagging an impressive 36 goals in just 35 league games.
Juventus had been in the market for a striker after Real Madrid triggered the buy back clause in Spanish front-man Alvaro Morata’s contract, causing him to return to his previous club.
In addition, their top scorer last season, Pablo Dybala, only managed 19 league goals. Just more than half the record breaking amount scored by Higuain
This signing represents a huge statement from Juventus who will undoubtedly be looking towards a Champions League trophy to accompany their yearly domestic dominance.
Last season they disappointed many, only getting as far as the last 16 of the competition. However this season, freshly equipped with Higuain and Co., they represent a far greater challenge to Europe’s elite.
Juventus have spent almost €150 million this summer on a crop of fresh faces, which include ex Roma play-maker Miralem Pjanic, Moroccan defender Mehdi Benatia and Croatian starlet Marko Pjaca, in addition to today’s record breaking piece of business.
28 year old Higuain had been widely considered a long term target of Arsène Wenger and many feel he would have been the perfect fit to solve Arsenal’s long running striker issues.
However, it’s the Old Lady that have acquired Higuain’s services and if the ex-Napoli man can continue his sensational goal-scoring form from last season, then Massimo Allegri’s men could very well turn their previous two double winning seasons, into that long awaited treble winning season.
Oisin McQueirns