Moussa Marega to the Premier League has been a story circulating for quite some time, but following his impressive season with Porto, this summer could finally be the one when something happens.
West Ham have been the most heavily linked as the Hammers continue their search for that elusive striker capable of scoring more than 20 goals a season, and the Portuguese press believe €30m should do the trick.
At least, that’s the lowest price Porto would be willing to listen to, even if Marega has a €40m clause in his contract.
Currently on holiday since Mali didn’t qualify for the World Cup, the striker still found some time to have a chat with SFR Sport in France, where he was asked about his future.
Questioned about the interest from Premier League clubs, such as West Ham, he said: “For me, I think it’s the best time to try my luck elsewhere, to try something new, get to know a new league. The Premier League for example. It pains me to say this, because I’m very attached to this club, to its fans who give me a lot.
“I’ve liked [the Premier League] for a long time. Then again, who doesn’t? It’s a great league, with great players. It’s flattering when clubs are interested in you, but I’ve always dreamed of playing there. I want to be happy, with my family, in a league I love”.
Asked if the contacts with clubs in England were concrete, Marega explained he ‘wasn’t thinking about that’, preferring to let his agent, Aziz Ben Aissa, deal with everything while he enjoys his holidays.
As for Porto in all of this, Marega admits asking Sergio Conceicao if he could leave when the former Nantes manager first arrived, before trying to negotiate a contract renewal, to no avail.
Now that he’s done his season without causing a fuss, he seems ready to move on.
