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Liverpool Transfer News: Juan Guillermo Cuadrado Should Ignore Manchester United

Stuart Newman@@StuNewmanSportX.com LogoFeatured ColumnistApril 16, 2014

Fiorentina's Juan Guillermo Cuadrado, of Colombia, celebrates after scoring during an Europa League, group E match, between Fiorentina and Pandurii, at the Artemio Franchi stadium in Florence, Italy, Thursday, Oct.  24, 2013. (AP Photo/Fabrizio Giovannozzi)
Fabrizio Giovannozzi

Winger Juan Guillermo Cuadrado is one of the most sought-after players in the European game, with a whole host of clubs currently chasing the Fiorentina star’s signature.

However, as Paul Brown of the Daily Star reports, it’s Liverpool that are currently leading the chase to land the 25-year-old Colombian, who has reportedly also drawn the attention of Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Manchester United.

As Brown reports, Cuadrado has his heart set on a move to the Premier League, according to sources close to the player, with Liverpool the ideal suitors for him.

Cuadrado has scored seven goals in 27 Serie A appearances this season, per WhoScored.com, and will feature for Colombia in this summer’s World Cup in Brazil.

With Liverpool just four matches away from a historic Premier League title and Champions League football on the horizon, Brendan Rodgers will be looking to improve his squad to prepare for life among Europe’s elite.

In Cuadrado, Liverpool would have a pacey, dynamic winger with the ability to create something out of nothing—very similar to the playing style of Chelsea’s Eden Hazard.

According to Brown, Manchester United manager David Moyes has been to watch the talented winger in action, though moving to Old Trafford would undoubtedly be the wrong choice for Cuadrado.

He’s the kind of player who deserves Champions League football, much like his possible future teammate Luis Suarez, who has been deprived of said football since arriving at Anfield.

Fabrizio Giovannozzi

Playing at the highest level in Europe means the world to players. The Premier League’s top scorer, Suarez, said he'd happily trade his goals for a shot at Champions League football, per Carl Markham of Mail Online: “I love to make goals but for me if I could swap being top scorer or winning the Golden Boot for the team finishing in the top four that would be more important.”

Next year, Liverpool will once again mix with the best in the European business, while United will likely feature in the competition’s little brother, the Europa League.

Not just that, though. The playing style of Manchester United under Moyes means that Cuadrado wouldn’t be able to play as free a role as a Red Devil as he would at Liverpool.

Juan Mata’s transfer provides a perfect example for Cuadrado of how he’d have to conduct himself in a United shirt, as the Spaniard has been forced into a limited role on the wing since signing from Chelsea in January.

Juan Mata has rarely had the chance to shine in his preferred No. 10 role since making the switch to Old Trafford
Juan Mata has rarely had the chance to shine in his preferred No. 10 role since making the switch to Old TraffordAlex Livesey/Getty Images

Moyes’ cautious style of football is a philosophy Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers rarely adopts, meaning that the Colombian would thrive in the exciting attacking setup at Anfield.

Cuadrado, Suarez, Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling would form one of the most fearsome frontlines in Europe, and Cuadrado would have a chance to showcase exactly what he brings to a side on the biggest stage of them all.

While rebuilding the Manchester United team will take time for Moyes, Rodgers already has a side worthy of being champions, and Cuadrado would almost certainly be one of the final pieces of Rodgers’ puzzle needed to turn Liverpool into world-beaters.