Can Robin Hood really save Juventus’ disastrous season? If things go a certain way maybe it could happen
Juve, Elkann chiama Robin Hood: Champions e 40 milioni di euro (Foto: Ansa) – serieanews.com
Is there anything more ironic than seeing Juventus clinging to Robin Hood to save the budget? Of course, the historic British hero was known to steal from the rich to give to the poor, so this is not exactly the case here. Yet, by a curious twist of fate, it really could happen.
It sounds like one of those stories to tell grandchildren: John Elkann who, with the patience of someone who has seen several troubles, is looking for someone ready to pick up and take away a “treasure” that now costs more than it is worth.
The name is one that weighs heavily, at least on paper: Douglas Luiz, the Brazilian midfielder who was supposed to change the face of the Bianconeri midfield but has, on the contrary, turned into a burden to be dealt with quickly.
Douglas Luiz, un flop da 50 milioni di euro che pesa sui conti della Juventus
His arrival was made official as a €50 million deal, but the matter is more nuanced than that. For in that deal were also the disposals of Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea to Aston Villa, valued at about 22 million euros in all.
So, yes, Juve has shelled out 28 million cash, but on the balance sheet it weighs the whole operation, that is, that famous 50 million, because that is the value that results for Douglas Luiz’s card.
Douglas Luiz, un flop da 50 milioni di euro che pesa sui conti della Juventus (AnsaFoto) – serieanews.com
According to data from Calcio&Finanza, the historical cost of the Douglas Luiz operation is set at 48.7 million euros, a major investment that now weighs more on the budget than it does on the field.
His contract expires on June 30, 2029, with an annual amortization fee of 9.74 million euros and a gross salary of 9.25 million euros. Total? Almost 19 million this year alone, for a player who has collected more benches than minutes.
Let’s do the math: in June his net book value will be 38.96 million euros. Translated: to avoid a capital loss, Juve would have to sell him for at least that amount. Difficult? Very. That’s why the idea of a loan with conditional obligation or redemption seems the only viable way, besides that of an exchange.
Juventus, il Nottingham Forest può salvare il bilancio. Ma a una condizione
But who could take charge of this operation? Here comes the insight that seems written by a novelist: Nottingham Forest. Third in the Premier League standings, the Reds are the revelation of the year and are aiming to qualify for the Champions League. Not bad for a team that until a few years ago was hanging out in the Championship.
Juventus, il Nottingham Forest può salvare il bilancio. Ma a una condizione (LaPresse) – serieanews.com
Nottingham Forest has never hidden its esteem for Douglas Luiz, back in its Aston Villa days. Now, with a European future to be built and a midfield to be toughened up, the Brazilian could be that ticket shot into Europe’s elite. On the other hand, Juventus has now decided to give him away and can only hope for a transfer.
One possible formula? An onerous loan with a right or obligation to redeem, perhaps topped with bonuses linked to appearances or results. Some even whisper of a swap, perhaps to bring down the price and ease negotiations.
The suggestion of entrusting a team bearing Robin Hood’s name with the task of “freeing” Juventus from a hefty contract is more than a play on words. It is an operation that can decide the coming months of the Juventus market. Because, with or without Champions, Juve needs liquidity. We are talking about at least 40 million euros, which is essential to finance the next moves in the market.
This article Juve, Elkann calls Robin Hood: Champions and 40 million euros appeared in its original version first on SerieANews.
