Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has admitted defeat in an attempt to sign Gustavo Puerta, with the midfielder choosing Benfica instead.
The Premier League club had already been linked with the Colombian earlier this summer, before Olympiacos joined the picture.
Reports even suggested Puerta could move to Greece first and potentially end up at Nottingham Forest further down the line. We now know Marinakis was certainly prepared to spend serious money on the 23-year-old.
Portuguese newspaper A Bola, citing Greek outlet Sport24, carries comments from the Forest and Olympiacos owner after Friday’s Europa League draw.
Puerta has made his choice
Marinakis says Olympiacos were willing to trigger Puerta’s release clause. The problem was convincing the player.
“We paid Puerta’s €16m (£13.8m) clause and he isn’t coming, he wants to go to Benfica. What more can be done?”
A Bola says the Racing Santander midfielder is committed to Benfica and ready to sign for them. The Portuguese club still need to reach an agreement with Racing before anything can happen.
Portugal’s market remains open until September 4, although the deadline for UEFA registrations is September 2.
Marinakis explains Olympiacos problem
One detail worth pointing out is the price. Previous reports throughout the summer had repeatedly put Racing’s demands at €20m (£17.3m). Marinakis, however, specifically talks about a €16m (£13.8m) release clause.
Puerta remains under contract with Racing until 2029. He made 33 appearances last season, scoring three goals and adding one assist.
His performances with Colombia at the World Cup then helped push his name further into the European market. Hull City, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, Porto, Bologna, Valencia, Villarreal and Zenit have all been linked during a very busy summer around the midfielder.
Marinakis also offered an explanation for why Olympiacos can struggle in these situations.
“What everyone in Greece needs to understand is that, although Olympiacos are a big club, Greek football is in the lower positions of the European rankings. For very good young players, playing in Greece isn’t their first choice.”
Puerta appears to be a perfect example. Marinakis was ready to pay for him, but the midfielder has chosen Benfica. Now he is waiting for the Portuguese club to sort out Ríos and reach an agreement with Racing.
