Israeli Club Offers $3 Million to Juan Cuadrado, Who Declines

Colombian international Juan Cuadrado, 38, reportedly rejected a $3 million offer from an Israeli Premier League club, according to a report published Tuesday night in Colombia. Journalist Alexis Rodriguez claimed Cuadrado also turned down offers from Saudi Arabia and Qatar, as he is aiming to play in Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States or in the Mexican league. A return to his native Colombia after 17 years abroad is not currently an option for the veteran winger and right-back.

Cuadrado spent last season with Italian club Pisa, scoring one goal in 19 Serie A appearances. In related news, Maccabi Tel Aviv, another Israeli club, has reportedly signed James Tavernier for the right-back position; he has arrived in Israel and is expected to officially sign soon.

Cuadrado has had a decorated career, beginning in Europe with Udinese, then Lecce, before becoming a star at Fiorentina. This led to a move to Chelsea, followed by an eight-year stint at Juventus, and later spells at Inter Milan, Atalanta, and Pisa. The original report did not specify which Israeli team made the offer for Cuadrado, considered one of the greatest Colombian players of all time.