Whether it’s the start of a new season looming later this month or the scars from several failed transfers this summer, Roma seems to be acting with greater urgency in its pursuit of Porto prodigy Rodrigo Mora. The 19-year-old Portuguese sensation was barely a blip on the transfer radar last week, but he’s dominated the headlines over the past day and a half.
While we’ll never know when Roma began tracking Mora, they’ve moved swiftly, reportedly agreeing to a five-year contract with the 19-year-old
attacking midfielder. Yesterday, we discussed the three transfer formulas Roma offered Porto, including a small initial fee with a massive balloon payment next summer, a €25-€30 million fee with a 50% sell-on clause, and a quasi-layaway plan where Roma would pay the €50 million fee in two installments between this summer and next.
As the sun set on Monday evening, the 50/50 formula was gaining traction only to be quickly interrupted by rumors that, rather than having a sell-on clause, Porto wanted a buy-back clause; an entirely different can of worms. We’re no closer to a deal than we were yesterday, several sources, including Gianluca Di Marzio, have disavowed any notion of a buy-back clause.
Di Marzio’s latest updates suggest that the two clubs are still working on the finer points of the deal, with Roma attempting to close it at €25 million up front, plus a 50% sell-on clause. Additionally, the Giallorossi want to structure the deal as a loan with an option rather than an obligation, in which case the deal would be structured as €25 million now and €25 million next summer, assuming Roma would pick up the option.
In a sense, this is all just theatre for the balance sheets; Roma will pay €50 million for this kid one way or another.
Now, for once, let’s just hope Roma can close a deal quickly!
