Saša Lukić left Torino for Fulham on the last day of the winter market.
Earlier this week, reports in Italy stated the Serie A side’s manager, Ivan Jurić, was hoping the 26-year-old would continue at the club.
That didn’t happen because the Serbia international sealed a permanent move to Fulham and signed a contract until 2027, with an option to further extend it by a year.
Torino have replaced the midfielder with his compatriot, Ivan Ilić, who arrived from Hellas Verona. The Turin club’s manager is of the belief the 21-year-old cannot be a replacement for the player who joined Marco Silva’s side.
Jurić saw his side crash out of the Coppa Italia on Wednesday after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Fiorentina. After the tie, the manager shared his frustration over losing Lukić to the Premier League side.
“We have lost a great player, replacing him with one who must and can grow over time, like Ilić,” Jurić said, as quoted by Sky Italia.
“We leave a little weakened without a strong point. Then maybe it turns out better, but this is my criticism, so we find ourselves in disadvantageous situations that are difficult to manage well.”
There were a few reports claiming Jurić had a clash with Torino technical director Davide Vagnati, likely over the club’s decision to sell Lukić to Fulham. The coach has responded to these rumours.
“I’m sorry that news about quarrels with him are not true, there has never been controversies also because he doesn’t decide on certain things,” the Torino manager said.
