Argentinian midfielder Leandro Paredes has returned to Serie A after he completed his move to Juventus and it is likely that he will play an important role for the Bianconeri under Massimiliano Allegri.
The 28-year-old has arrived from Les Parisiens on a one-year loan with an obligation to be bought outright under certain conditions for €22.6 million plus €5.2 million in bonuses, making the Bianconeri the fourth Italian club that the Argentine has played for after AS Roma, Chievo, and Empoli.
Paredes revealed on the club’s YouTube channel that he was determined to join the Italian giants, and it was opportunity to reunite with his compatriot and former PSG teammate Angel Di Maria.
“I am delighted to be here at Juventus and be part of this group and club,” he said.
“Like I said to my family, it was either Juve or bust so I am really happy to be here.
“We’ve been friends for many years as have our families and our children. Coming here and being with him again at another club is really special to me.”
Paredes will wear the No.32 jersey for Juventus, the same number he wore at Boca Juniors, Roma, and Empoli.
Is Paredes a Pogba replacement?
After five seasons playing abroad for Zenit St. Petersburg in Russia and Paris Saint-Germain in France, Parades is making his return to Serie A.
The Argentine is player who can bring both energy and technique to the Juventus midfield and Allegri will need to turn to him while Paul Pogba is on the sidelines.
Pogba suffered an injury in pre-season and he is yet to make his competitive return to the Bianconeri squad. With Allegri having selected Adrien Rabiot, Fabio Miretti, and Manuel Locatelli in midfield for most games so far, Paredes has the experience to step in for one of them if they get injured or perform poorly.
Although Juve still have Weston McKennie on their books, Paredes possesses greater technique on the ball than the energetic American and his less hurried approach might suit this Bianconeri side.
Juventus face Fiorentina in Serie A Matchday 5 on Saturday afternoon.
