ESPN Soccernet - Correspondents - Juventus FC

Posted by Sumeet Paul on 01/05/2011

He is the former Juventus and Italy number one. He is widely regarded by most as one of the greatest ‘keepers in the world, and in some circles, of all time. He has also recently been named Goalkeeper of the Decade by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics. Who is he? He is of course, Gianluigi Buffon: the forgotten man in Turin.

With fresh rumours linking the Bianconeri legend with a move away from the Stadio Olimpico, and many pundits suggesting that selling Gigi would be a wise financial move for Juve, it is my belief that by selling Buffon, the Juventus hierarchy would be making a mistake.

No doubt that Marco Storari has filled the breach admirably, and has performed above many spectators expectations. However, to sell one of the icons of the club and one of its most talented players at that would be a terrible move – or would it?

If Juve were to make Storari’s loan deal permanent, by selling Buffon they could raise cash to fund new signings and at the same time cut a huge chunk off the wage bill. With the ineffectual Amauri seemingly being pushed toward the exit door (I pray each morning for a potential buyer), some much needed firepower would be a boost for Juve’s title chances. With Edin Dzeko finalising a deal to Manchester City, Juve will have to look elsewhere for a possible replacement, and they may come with a hefty price tag.

However, as a fans’ favourite for many years, would you be left outraged to see Buffon leave? Or do you think it makes sense financially with the Bianconeri not necessarily needing him anymore. Granted we are challenging for the Scudetto, but with the 5th meanest defence in the league, could you imagine how solid the side would be with Buffon behind Bonucci and Chiellini?

Let’s hope we start the new year with a welcome win against Parma tomorrow, Forza Juve!

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Comments

Posted by stephen on 01/06/2011

Well the year have started off on a terrible note. Seeing the atomic ant scoring on us was very hurtful.
Buffon is a great goalkeeper and a Juventus soldier. He stood with the team when we were demoted. Kudos for that. He is loved and appreciated. That said I don't think fans are in the position to give an opinion on his future at the club. The board amongst others will have to make such calls. In a case like this logic will have to supersede emotions. As it is, it seem like we can't afford anyone where tranfers are concern. That in nexus with the retarded Italian EU rules is having a negative effect on the league and moreover, Juventus. To be honest, I truly would like Buffon to stay(emotionally), but there has not been much of a difference between him and Storari in goal from the last season to now(the logic). Now mix that up with the financial elements and see what it produces. But then again, we don't want to have another mistake like Sebastian taking place; & that was a mistake

Posted by Donato Collini on 01/06/2011

Pato may be available it is rumored he does not like the 3 man rotation. Also Kaka wants out of Spain. And Macheda may be available from ManU. Many possibles to push forward. Sell Buffon to ManU for Macheda and cash.

Posted by Waqas on 01/06/2011

I hope that he moves to Manchester United at the end of the season. Perfect replacement for Van der Sar.

Posted by Brian on 01/06/2011

No player no matter how iconic can last forever, Buffon has given his greatest years for the club, so perhaps now while he still has value in the transfer market, he can serve his club in a slightly different way. If he moves now he will as you mention free up funds to bring in other players.
Buffon on the other hand could spend his remaining years at the top in another league, much as Van De Sar has at United. Certainly Arsenal, Manchester United possibly Spurs would be interested in having someone of his vast experience and ability at the highest level to play for them.The fresh challenge of a new league and playing for one of the top clubs in England could re-invigorate him.Going to City would be a waste as they already have Joe Hart and he is playing very well, isn't costing them games, so why wouldn't he still keep being picked.Arsenal no doubt would want him but they are always reluctant to spend serious money.
United need a goalie, with VDS retiring,may be persuaded to spend.

Posted by Generous on 01/07/2011

Man u take ur chance sign one of the great in buffon, also madrid go 4 adebayor, up madrid

Posted by rudy on 01/08/2011

they CANT sell him

Posted by Jose on 01/08/2011

oh please...let him go. as great as he was it seems everyone is getting injured on this team and it's a pain to hear all these rumors. whose to say storari won't be a juve great. this is a business before it's a sport, and the old lady needs some new clothes.

Posted by lester on 01/11/2011

I support the tech staff decision young and new blood is needed GiGi would always be one of D Greatest

Posted by brian on 01/14/2011

As much as I love Buffon, Storari and Manninger have done sufficiently in his absence to a point that he has become a "forgotten man". If Juve get a lucrative offer for Buffon that both the team and Buffon himself find agreeable, I would not mind seeing the two part amicably. Buffon hopefully lands somewhere he likes and Juve can use the money to invest in a high profile player.

Posted by Roberto on 01/18/2011

Buffon is clearly an all time great worldwide and not just for Juve. However, he is not nearly the same keeper he was in 2006 and has been on the slide ever since. He has given many great years to the club and by no means is he washed up. Not even close. He is still one of the best in the world. That being said it is time to sell him, shed some salary and hopefully bring in some new blood to Juve (preferably of Italian descent both for Juve and the future of the national team). Viviano or Sirigu would be a nice replacement using some of the transfer money from the sale of Buffon, if they are even available. Also a solid left back and of course a striker would help tremendoulsy but above all a true holding midfielder would be at the top of my list.

Posted by m on 01/21/2011

frankly, i'd rather see him retire with us and stay in turin. don't want to see him wearing another jersey other than bianconero.

Posted by Hamedafz on 05/10/2011

I am a fan of juve in asia and i think that buffon is still on of the greatest in the world but he was not like befor after his injuri in world cup & we are waiting for he comes no 1 in the world again!

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