For months, the Portuguese media has been saying that Porto would have a boost in their pursuit for Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos in case the Scottish side did not qualify for the Champions League’s group stage.
The Dragons had been struggling to match the price for the player, and since it’s his wish to feature in the continental tournament, they were hopeful of having that argument to convince him before the end of the transfer window.
Well, even though Morelos scored a goal against Malmo on Tuesday, that wasn’t enough for Rangers to win the tie, and the Ibrox side got knocked out of the Champions League play-offs in the process.
Therefore, it’s no surprise that several Portuguese newspapers have stories about the striker today, and outlet A Bola is one of them.
A Bola writes that Morelos ‘could become cheaper’ with the new situation, as they recall that Steven Gerrard’s side never accepted to negotiate him for less than €15m, but the elimination from the Champions League now ‘opens the exit door’ for the striker.
Porto are said to have two arguments to attract him.
First the spot in the competition, and then the possibility of offering him a higher salary than the one he has in Scotland.
Still, Porto are going through financial difficulties and should not be able to spend a big fee, meaning they may have to depend on any discount Rangers will give in these final weeks of the transfer window.
