Liverpool and Man City can sign top midfielder DESPITE new contract
Samuele Ricci has signed a new contract with Torino, but a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ will allow him to leave the club this year anyway, according to Italian media.
The 23-year-old has established himself as one of Serie A’s most proficient midfielders in recent seasons. Torino made a significant investment in Ricci when they signed him from Empoli for €8.5 million in 2022 and it has totally paid off.
Primarily a defensive-minded player, Ricci has become a senior Italy international in Turin and one of the most intriguing commodities on the Italian market due to his age and profile.
Why Trent Alexander-Arnold’s transfer decision should be EASY
Indeed, many of Europe’s elite clubs are said to have taken a liking to the Torino man, with Man City and Liverpool just two of his supposed suitors. The former, of course, are looking to sign a replacement for Rodri, while the latter wanted to bring in Martin Zubimendi in the summer but failed to do so.
Ricci pens new deal – but with a twist
Given the significant interest in his services, it came as a surprise on Thursday when Torino announced that they had managed to tie Ricci down to a new contract until 2028.
However, Calciomercato reports that the fresh terms may not prevent him from leaving his home country after all. According to the Italian outlet, Torino and Ricci have a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ that allows him to depart if the club’s asking price is matched.
PSG blow Liverpool out of the water with Salah contract offer
This is similar to Torino’s previous accord with star defender Gleison Bremer, who signed for city rivals Juventus in 2022 just a few months after penning a new deal.
The club’s asking price for Ricci is said to be between €25m and €30m, which makes him an attractive opportunity for Europe’s elite despite his new contract in Turin.
