Days go by and Belotti he remains the only centre-forward in the squad. Shomurodov could end up at Lecce on loan, Abraham he will still have some for several months and so Mou finds himself with only Gallo available. To such an extent that on the tactical blackboard, useful for understanding the game of pairs that he has in mind (starter and substitute) he has advanced for now El Shaarawy. And it will be the same after the 17th, when the internationals will be available again. A lack that will be more evident at the beginning of the first friendlies. The picture is clear: Scam remains on pole. By age, characteristics, salary and method of acquisition. Roma are continuing to try to take him on an expensive loan but West Ham are making a block for now. And then the offer could change in days: loan with obligation to buy under certain conditions related to appearances, goals and above all qualification for the next Champions League which, with the new format ready starting from the 2024-25 season, will demarcate even more clearly the difference between who will be present and the others who will stay and watch. Also because the accounts being done in Trigoria are simple: Gianluca was bought last season for 36 million (plus 6 in bonuses). Five-year contract, ergo now in the balance sheet it is at 28.8. If Roma manage to borrow him, next year from 21.6 million up, everything for the Hammers would represent a capital gain. And this is what the agents and Pinto are working on, aware that it is very difficult for the center forward to move on a straight loan. With Morata that in addition to the offer from Milan also has a proposal of 15 million a year from Al-Ettifaq, in Trigoria they are also forced to monitor other profiles.
THE ALTERNATIVE
And among these the one that intrigues is that of Okafor, 23 years old from Salzburg. Born in Binningen to a Nigerian father and a Swiss mother, Noah belongs to the Igbo ethnic group which numbers 30 million people in the world. In sports, the most famous Igbos are former Nigerian soccer stars Kanu and Okocha, as well as multiple NBA champion Iguodala. And he grew up in the Basel youth sector, making his debut among the greats five days before turning 18, in the championship match against Lucerne. Two months later, the first goal of his career came against Neuchatel Xamax. In January 2020, he moved to Salzburg. Born right wing, actually capable of playing in every position in the frontline, in Austria he is completing the technical transformation into first striker. Physically strong, fast, good both in straits and when he has open fields at his disposal. He shoots well with his right foot, but above all he is technical, difficult to contain when he dribbles. And in front of goal he doesn’t need so many opportunities to leave his mark. In the last Champions League, 9 shots on target and 3 goals (one each for Milan and Chelsea). Not bad. With Salzburg he played 110 games, in which he scored 34 goals and 23 assists. The contract expiring next June makes him very attractive. The one who is already free is Moussa Dembele. The agent proposed it to Pinto on at least two occasions, receiving for now a polite “No, thanks”. The ex Lyon does not convince the gm having failed to repeat the exploit of two years ago when he closed with 21 goals in Ligue 1. This year he stopped at just 3 goals. In the next few days it is probable that the agent of Castellanos (15 goals on loan to Girona, including 4 in a match against Real Madrid) that the boy will propose. But watch out for opportunities that can suddenly arise. The imminent arrival of Openda at Leipzig, for example, frees andre silva. The 27-year-old Portuguese is much appreciated by Pinto, has an affordable cost (15 million) and doesn’t disdain a return to Italy after his experience at Milan. The only hold back are the injuries that have punctuated his performance lately.
KARSDORP DEPARTING
Waiting for news, Kristensen’s landing is expected shortly. The Dane (not called up for the friendly against Manchester United) arrives from Leeds on a dry loan under a clause that allows him to free himself in the event of relegation. Karsdorp is leaving: Feyenoord is tempted but not at the price Roma are asking (8 million). Westerloo have meanwhile offered 3.5 million for Reynolds.
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1970-01-01 00:00:00
#Mourinho #evaluates #Okafor #Morata #forbidden #dream #offered #Dembelé
