According to a recent report by La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Calciomercato), Juventus centre-forward Mario Mandzukic is destined to seal a move to play in Qatar amid recent reports linking him with a switch to West Ham United in January. The same source has also mentioned that two Qatari clubs, Al Gharafa and Al Rayyan, are battling each other to secure the Croatia international’s services.
It is believed that they are prepared to cough up a fee between €5m to €10m for the Serie A striker who is also hoping for a lucrative contract to relocate himself to the Middle East (via Calciomercato).
Mandzukic’s Spectacular Career In European Football
Mandzukic is yet to make a single appearance for Juventus this season. However, he had a productive campaign in the previous term when he scored ten goals and grabbed seven assists in 33 appearances for the Turin giants across all competitions.
The veteran striker won the Serie A title for the fourth time under Massimiliano Allegri’s stewardship last season. Mandzukic knows what it takes to taste success at the highest level having lifted the Bundesliga title twice and the UEFA Champions League once during his time at Bayern Munich.
Mandzukic was also instrumental behind Croatia’s recent success in the 2018 FIFA World Cup when they reached the final of the competition. The 33-year-old is vastly experienced at the international level, having represented his nation in 89 matches while netting 33 goals for them in the process.
What Does The 2018 FIFA World Cup Finalist Offer On The Pitch?
The Croatia international can be a real handful for any defender due to his remarkable strength and leaping ability to win headers in the offensive end of the field. He can head the ball with a lot of power and precision which makes him such a lethal marksman up top. Allegri often used him on the left flank last season so that he can make late runs into the box to score goals with his head.
What Should Be Pellegrini’s Play Here?
However, it seems like Mandzukic’s time at the Juventus Stadium is coming to an end so West Ham would be foolish not to make a bid for him in January. Even though there is interest from Qatar, the Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini should not give up on the Croat striker as he can be a real game-changer at the London Stadium.
The East London outfit needs an ideal back-up for Sebastien Haller, so Mandzukic fits the bill perfectly. He will be the perfect deputy to the French striker in English football.
