Analysing the four best options for Juan Ayuso on the transfer market. Photo courtesy of SWpix.
With Juan Ayuso now on the cycling transfer market following UAE’s announcement that the rider could leave at the end of 2025, we can expect several high-profile teams to show interest in the Spaniard’s newfound availability.
Our sources have confirmed that no contracts have been signed at this stage, meaning that any team can potentially come in for the 22-year-old, but with Lidl-Trek leading the line, we analyse whether a move to the American team is the best option or whether one of the other three teams linked to Ayuso would be a better fit.
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On the one hand, a move to Lidl-Trek makes the most sense. Out of all the WorldTour teams seeking a GC leader and with the funds to make the signing happen, the American team is the most settled and closest to providing Ayuso with what he needs. They are also the most complete squad linked with the rider, boasting a highly competitive Classics team, two elite-level sprinters, and a set of exciting climbers capable of competing at the highest level. They’re the third-best team in the world for a reason.
The final piece Luca Guercilena needs to complete his squad is a Grand Tour contender. This has been somewhat of a blind spot for the team since, well, the Schlecks, to be honest. Richie Porte did deliver with a finish on a Tour de France podium with a valiant ride in 2020, and Alberto Contador was exciting but beyond his prime when he joined the team, while it just hasn’t worked out (yet) for Tao Geoghegan Hart, Mattias Skjelmose, and Giulio Ciccone on a consistent basis. With increased investment for the future, and the U23 development team in full swing, it’s only a matter of time before more pressure is placed on the team to have a GC leader at the Tour, and Ayuso potentially solves that problem.
Great equipment, a team that thrives on opportunities and attacking racing – there’s so much to be excited about in this potential move. However, there’s a catch: Ayuso will need to understand that a switch to Lidl-Trek also involves compromise.