On his way out from Sunderland one way or another, Emmanuele Giaccherini’s future will be far from the north of England and most likely in Serie A.
The Italian attacking midfielder spent last season on loan at Bologna, where he performed well enough to be called up to Antonio Conte’s Euro 2016 squad, but it’s Torino who are now favourites to sign the 31-year-old.
Giving a lengthy interview to Tuttosport on Friday, the player’s agent, Furio Valcareggi, explained exactly where the situation is at with his client, and doesn’t expect any movement until after the Euros come to an end for Italy.
He said: “I cannot deny Torino’s interest. It’s true that myself and their sporting director talk often, he’s a dear friend of mine. We discussed Giak a year ago, but the conditions weren’t right.”
Explaining Giaccherini was flattered to attract the interest of such an important club, the agent also made it clear that he would have to have a chat with his current club, Sunderland, before anything happened, with the Premier League club asking for around €2.5m.
Mr Valcareggi also hinted that Giaccherini, earning more money at Sunderland than Torino can afford, would be prepared to take a wage cut for the right project.
As for timing, the message is clear: no distractions and no transfer talk until the Euros are over for Italy.
