PAULINHO IS IN BALANCE
For Inter, the price is not right. Now it is more no than yes.
Moratti: “The conditions that we know have changed? Then it is not doable.” Coutinho salutes.
Milan – Another day passed by, another day still without the yes or no. One day less to gift Stramaccioni Paulinho and one day more to raise the many concerns: as of last night, the chances of Paulinho coming are more no than yes. Massimo Moratti, at 19:55 yesterday, stated some very generic statements: “Paulinho and Coutinho? There are no news: the transfer market is open until January 31st.” Inter technical director Marco Branca then added “we are working on it,” but two things are certain: for Coutinho, it is truly a photo finish and only missing is the official announcement, for Paulinho instead something is not right. That something is the total price of the operation because Moratti said it early in the afternoon: “Negotiation will close if there are conditions that allow it to. For the moment, it is doable under the conditions that I know about but if they have changed, then no.” The deal is in balance.
Truth in 48 hours Why? Inter have always come to terms with the release clause of 15 million euros but between the commissions and other requests particularly from Pao de Acucar – which hold part of Paulinho’s card – the price could be increased up to 18 million. Sources in Brazil say it is 20 million and meanwhile yesterday Marco Tronchetti Provera, Inter board member, said things a bit differently: “I hope that the economical reasons can find a balance so that a great player like Paulinho can come to Inter on acceptable terms.” In any case, the transfer market for the Brazilian midfielder closes on… January 30th: to complete the majority of negotiations and then define the last details on January 31st, the last day.
Inter emissary Paulinho, in the meantime, decided to intervene: “It will be me and only me to communicate any ongoing negotiations or offers.” Corinthians director Gaspar yesterday told FC Inter News that “there are no official offers.” The player agent, Bertolucci, then announced that “he is not leaving.” In Brazil, there is an Inter emissary working on the possible transfer and by this morning, he will notify Moratti on the actual transaction price. The Inter president still has doubts on whether the budget, after selling Coutinho and Sneijder, would him to spend. Oh and by the way, Corinthians would gladly keep the player until June.
Coutinho Yesterday was also the day of outgoing transfer for Philippe Coutinho who has signed for Liverpool for 10 million pounds plus bonuses, so nearly 12.5 million euros. The last few details were defined in the afternoon and now there will be a medical scheduled for today. The Reds management, led by managing director Ian Ayre, arrived in Milan to find precise agreement. And Cou? He made a few phone calls to his teammates with whom he promised that he will return the next few days to say goodbye to all. “Yes, but things get done for a reason and selling Coutinho is not done with the idea of cashing in but because, looking at the way things have developed recently, we have a greater need in different areas than Coutinho’s position, regardless of his age,” said Moratti.
Source: Gazzetta dello Sport
