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Inter Milan have signed Colombian winger Juan Cuadrado from Juventus on a free transfer this summer. This has not gone over with the Nerazzurri fans, especially the ultras group Curva Nord, who say Cuadrado has to win the fans over. The Colombian’s transfer has not been announced yet, but it is widely reported that it is a done deal and that the winger is undergoing a medical at Inter this week.
The five-time Serie A champion is set to join Inter on a one-year deal this week as Juventus clear out their squad in an extensive rebuild project. Inter Milan and Juventus are bitter rivals, but this is not the first time a player has switched loyalties between the two Italian giants, with other notable players including Andrea Pirlo, Roberto Baggio, Fabio Cannavaro, and Patrick Vieira.
But this case is special in the extent of animosity that exists between Inter fans and Cuadrado, who has done numerous things to earn hatred while playing in black and white. In the most recent incident, Cuadrado was shown a straight red card after a fight with Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic after a Coppa Italia game. He has also fought with Ivan Perisic and injured Alexis Sanchez during an international game that sidelined the Chilean for three months.
In a viral video on social media, the Curva Nord recently hung a banner near Inter Milan’s facilities that read, “Up until now you’ve done everything to make us hate you, if you want something else it’s up to you to demonstrate it.” It is no surprise that bad blood exists between the two, and given the short deal, it will be difficult for Cuadrado to win over the infamous Curva Nord.
Watch the video here:
Important summer window for Inter Milan ahead
The Champions League finalists are looking at a long summer window, where they seek to replace key members of their squad and rebuild a scudetto-winning side once again. So far Samir Handanovic has left, and it looks likely that midfield engine Brozovic and sweeper keeper Andre Onana are heading out.
Inter are seeking to replenish their squad with both young talent and experience. To replace Onana, Inter have identified young keeper Anatoly Trubin and Bundesliga veteran Yann Sommer.
It is unlikely that Inter Milan resign controversial striker Romelu Lukaku again, on the other hand, they are looking at Arsenal’s Folarin Balogun, who has had a breakout season on loan at Reims in France. They have also signed Mateo Retegui and are looking at deals for Tosin Adarabioyo and Trevoh Chalobah.
Inter will be looking to build on the financial gains earned by reaching the finals of the Champions League by rebuilding and challenging Napoli and AC Milan for the Scudetto in the coming season.
