Mario Mandzukic leaves Juventus for Qatari side Al Duhail

Steve Nicol examines whether these takeaways from this weekend in world football are overreactions.

Janusz Michallik wonders why Maurizio Sarri doesn’t utilise Mario Mandzukic while he’s still in the squad.

ESPN FC’s Rob Dawson explains why Mario Mandzukic’s wage demands and Juventus’ inflated transfer fee means the Croatian will remain in Turin.

Mario Mandzukic has joined Qatari side Al Duhail, leaving Juventus after four years at the Serie A club.

“The team’s management succeeded today in contracting with the Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic of Juventus in a free transfer deal after the end of his contract with his Italian team,” Al-Duhail said.

Mandzukic, 33, was linked with Manchester United in the summer, but sources told ESPN the Premier League side backed out of a move due to Juventus’ asking price and the forward’s wage demands.

The former Croatia international, who did not make a single appearance under new Juventus manager Maurizio Sarri this season, joins former Juve teammate Medhi Benatia at Al Duhail.

The Doha-based club are coached by Rui Faria, former assistant coach to Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho.

Mandzukic reached the World Cup final in 2018, and at club level he previously played for Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich, winning the Champions League with the latter in 2013.

This article was originally published by Espnfc.com. Read the original article here.