When Torino’s chairman, Urbano Cairo, announced that Andrea Belotti had signed a new contract with a €100m release clause applicable only to foreign clubs, no one really expected the club to actually hold out for it.
However, as the transfer window has progressed, it’s becoming more and more believable.
According to Tuttosport on Friday, Manchester United are prepared to make an €80m bid for Andrea Belotti, and even that isn’t going to be accepted.
It’s huge news for them. Mourinho, with the help of Jorge Mendes, is at the ready. It’s on the front cover.
Yet, in the actual article, the prospect of the bid is only mentioned briefly, almost as if it’s convenient for it to be there, ready to be rejected just to show that Torino will not succumb to temptation.
Andrea Belotti has no apparent desire to leave the club this year, knowing that another good season with his current team would guarantee him a spot in the Italy World Cup squad next year.
Torino fans are said to be getting worried, but, as long as Morata is a realistic option, Belotti’s clause will not be triggered, and the €7m/year contract will not be offered.
It seems Manchester United are merely warning Torino they are willing to test them.
Morata is said to be Mourinho’s number one target, and the latest reports from Spain suggest he might get his man, but unless Real Madrid reject a €100m+ offer for him, he won’t come for Belotti.
After all, why would you be willing to bid €100m for your backup option but not for your top target?
We’ve got to admit, though, the words “€80m, Man United and Belotti” do make for a very good front page.
