It’s a rare occurrence that one of the most prolific strikers of a generation becomes available on a free transfer. However, it’s been suggested that Juventus are so keen to get rid of Gonzalo Higuain’s massive wages they may just allow him to leave for nothing.
The Argentine striker has fired in 291 goals during his spell in Europe, which has seen him represent Real Madrid, Juventus, Napoli, AC Milan and Chelsea. At 32, Higuain is approaching the end of his career and given he reportedly earns up to seven million euros a year, and started just 19 league matches last term, and it is unsurprising the Bianconeri are keen to move him on.
One of the clubs that has been touted as a possible destination for Higuain is Newcastle United. Still, the Magpies should approach any deal with extreme caution, even if the striker is available for no transfer fee. The Argentine ace cost Juventus £81m, and the Magpies simply would not be able to shell out that much on the striker, as the transfer kitty is just £35m, plus player sales, unless the Saudi Arabian backed takeover is completed.
Furthermore, Higuain has undergone the lowest scoring campaign of his career in Europe this season, finding the back of the net just seven times. Astonishingly he is still Serie A champions Juventus’ third-highest scorer this season, but it would be a significant gamble for the Magpies to pay a transfer fee for a player who is out of form. His astronomical wages alone would be a sizeable risk if Newcastle were to bring the 32-year-old to the northeast.
While on loan at Chelsea in the Premier League last season, Higuain did show some promise that he could score regularly in England, firing in five top-flight goals in 13 league starts. But the statistics indicate that the strikers’ goalscoring prowess has been waning for some time, as he has scored fewer goals than the previous campaign in his last five terms, dropping from 36 league strikes to seven.
Even if Newcastle could pick up Higuain for nothing a move for the Argentine striker would be a risk, unless they can agree to a reduced wage from the up to seven million euros he earns in Turin. It’s also been suggested that Bruce would likely be in the market for a young striker, meaning Higuain may be best left for other potential suitors.
