Colombian sensation Juan Guillermo Cuadrado looks certain to leave the Stadio Artemio Franchi after starring for Fiorentina in a rather troublesome campaign which was halted by injuries to key players Giuseppe Rossi and Mario Gomez. Club president Andrea Della Valle assures the Florence faithful that reinforcements will be brought in, should Cuadrado leave. Many players such as Vitolo were linked to the club, but I take a look at my five top (realistic) replacements for the Colombian.

 

1) Xherdan Shaqiri 

Out-of-favor Bayern Munich winger Xherdan Shaqiri looks set to leave the club, with Liverpool and Juventus hunting down their necks. The Swiss superstar enjoyed a glamorous World Cup which includes a hat-trick against Honduras. The winger joined Bayern Munich from Swiss outfit Basel for $15.5 million in 2012, after majorly impressing in the Champions League. Still at 22, he has won six major trophies with Bayern Munich including the UEFA Champions League; not many players achieve this feat at such a young age. Looking to leave due to Robben and Ribery’s established places in the team, game time is limited. With playing time almost certainly guaranteed, and with a beautiful city to live in, leaving for Fiorentina will surely interest Shaqiri. Xherdan rarely starts and impresses when coming off the bench. Using his threatening pace and scintillating dribbling ability, he’s able to score fantastic goals and create chances from nothing. Sharing very similar traits as Cuadrado, Shaqiri would be the perfect replacement for the Colombian.

 

2) Yehven Konoplyanka

Ukraine and Dnipro winger Yehven Konoplyanka is on the shortlist of many European clubs including Liverpool, Manchester United and  Roma, but not Fiorentina. Born in September 1989, he’s one of Ukraine’s and Europe’s hot young talents. He has has had many chances to improve in the big stage, against England where he scored a fantastic goal from long range, and against France in the World Cup qualifiers. The Ukranian international played twice against the Gigliati in last season’s UEFA Europa League, impressing head coach Vincenzo Montella as he scored the opening goal in an eventual 2-1 defeat. Konoplyanka is most renowned for his good vision, passing, pace, creativity and dribbling, attributes which Cuadrado shares. He is also highly known for his versatility, as he can play on either wing, and can also operate in a playmaking role. He would be a great addition to the squad, and would be a great replacement for the Colombian winger.

 

3) Marko Arnautovic

Stoke City winger Marko Arnautovic would be a surprise name on the list to many, but I believe the Austrian has what it takes to replace Juan Cuadrado. One of Europe’s hottest prospects when at Werder Bremen, he completed a switch to the Britannia for $4 million, one of the biggest bargains that season. Arnautovic spent most of his professional career at Werder Bremen, where he flourished. He also had spells with FC Twente and Inter. Stoke manager Mark Hughes allocated the Number 10 shirt showing his confidence in Marko, he has returned the favour by delivering fantastic performances, and being very consistent in doing so. The one problem is his lack of goals, which is surely to be improved. With his impressive pace, strength and agility, Arnautovic could yet be the perfect replacement for Juan Cuadrado.

 

4) Alvaro Vadillo

Real Betis winger Alvaro Vadillo, one of Spain’s exciting talents would be a great replacement for Cuadrado. Linked to clubs as Manchester United, and Real Madrid in the past, the Spanish winger certainly has a bright future ahead of him. Spending all his years, at the Sevillian outfit, his career has come to a standstill with Los Verdiblancos relegated to the Segunda Division. He will most likely look for a move away from the Benito Villamarin and take a step forward. Fiorentina would certainly appeal to the young winger with the illustrious players at the club such as Giuseppe Rossi and Mario Gomez. Spanish players Borja Valero, and Marcos Alonso would certainly make Spanish counterpart welcome at the club. With his fantastic crossing and electrifying pace, and one certainly for the future, the 20-year old would fit in great in Florence.

 

5) Kevin de Bruyne

Belgian winger Kevin de Bryune exploded on the big stage when he joined Chelsea for $10 million in 2012, since then, he has spent seasons at Genk and Werder Bremen to no avail, so joined Wolfsburg two years later for twice the price. He impressed at the 2014 World Cup with his vision, passing, and crossing, as the Belgian magician can play on either flank or in a Number 10 position. He may not possess Cuadrado’s speed but would do a great job on the flank, and would provide more options for La Viola. Not quite as good a replacement as the ones aforementioned above, but would still be a great one and would surely succeed in Florence.