Gonzalo Higuaín’s Father Says Son Will See Out Remainder Of His Juventus Contract Before Leaving

Juventus striker Gonzalo Higuaín will see out his current deal with the Old Lady which runs until the 2021-22 season, claims his father, Jorge.

The 32-year-old has struggled this campaign, netting just five goals from 34 appearances in all competitions, before the postponement of soccer due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Higuaín has returned to his native Argentina to care for his mother Nancy, who is suffering from cancer. Some reports are suggesting whilst there, he is trying to force through a move to River Plate – the team he played for before joining Real Madrid in 2007.

His father has since quashed the rumours and claimed they are false, stating to LM Nequen: “Everything that’s been said about Gonzalo isn’t true.

“I can tell you one thing: Gonzalo will stay with Juventus because he still has a year and a half left on his contract and he’ll respect it. He’ll see out his current contract. 

“In 18 months, Gonzalo will decide what to do because he will be the master of his own destiny. This is the reality and what will happen in Pipita’s career unless other things happen that are unforeseen.

“But I can guarantee you that, in Gonzalo’s head, there’s no desire to leave Juve, where he is much loved by the fans, just as he loves the Bianconeri, their shirt and their fans.”

During his time at the Stadio San Paolo in Naples under his current manager Maurizio Sarri, he netted a staggering 36 goals in 35 Italian top-flight appearances – which alerted Juve to swoop for his signature. Arriving from Napoli in 2016, Higuaín is currently into his third campaign with the Old Lady. 

His first campaign in Turin saw him rack up an impressive 24 goals in Serie A, but his form has since slumped, with just five goals to his name this season.

There were earlier reports suggesting the club could terminate his contract, due to the fact he failed to contact club representatives whilst in his homeland. La Repubblica also previously claimed: “that an early severance may save Juventus roughly $29million.”

Despite all the criticism, Higuaín has previously been a front runner to become Juventus’ Player of the Season, given the fact he is Juve’s third-highest goalscorer, behind both forwards Cristiano Ronaldo and Paulo Dybala.

The club has made it clear they are on the lookout for a new frontman to ease the burden on Ronaldo, therefore suggesting the former Napoli striker could be given the green light to leave the Allianz Stadium in the next transfer window.

Juve are expected to move on a number of players this summer and will be hoping they find a buyer for Higuaín, rather than see the striker leave for free on the expiry of his current deal. The club would no doubt be looking to use any transfer monies received towards the purchase of a replacement, especially given the fact as previously reported, they will potentially lose $122million, due to the current suspension of the league.

If Higuaín moves back to his homeland, it could see the Serie A champions have the first refusal on several of the Rivers’ youngsters, Juve sporting director Fabio Paratici has declared. These include defenders Gonzalo Montiel (23 years old) and Lucas Martínez Quarta (23), midfielder Santiago Sosa (20), striker Julian Alvarez (20), and forward Federico Girotti (20), who are all of interest. Young teenagers Tomas Lecanda and Luciano Vera are also on the radar and have previously been watched by Juve scouts.

Higuaín’s father did state last year: “I would like him to finish his career at River Plate, like the whole family. With (Marcelo) Gallardo there is a great relationship. It would be nice to finish with him.”

It would, therefore, make sense for the Old Lady to arrange a cut-price deal with the Buenos Aires-based club – and perhaps all parties will be happy.