Turin Transfer Market: Urbano Cairo Admits, “He’s Leaving”
Appearing as a guest on “Speciale Calciomercato” on Sky, Torino president Urbano Cairo, took stock of the Granata club’s transfer market. “I asked Simeone to stay; it’s a personal favor that goes beyond his contract,” emphasized the Alessandria-born club president, who has decided to rely on the up-and-coming Ignazio Abate for this season. The head of the Piedmontese club also admitted that some sacrifices will have to be made. “Someone will leave for financial reasons. Cacciamani? I’d like to keep him, but I’m not 100% sure.”
As for Cacciamani, Roma has made a decisive move in recent weeks. The Giallorossi, who have identified him as Wesley’s backup in Gian Piero Gasperini’s 3-4-2-1 formation, have submitted an offer that currently does not exceed eight million euros plus two million in bonuses, compared to Torino’s asking price, which is approaching a total of 20 million euros between the fixed fee and bonuses. The gap between offer and asking price remains significant, though it is not described as “astronomical.” Former Torino sporting director Davide Vagnati has also been a strong advocate for the deal, telling Sky Sport: “Cacciamani is highly professional and exceptionally well-mannered, and that’s the foundation for future growth. He’d be perfect for Gasperini’s style of play; he reminds me a lot of Spinazzola. We brought him up to the first team with Vanoli, and we liked him right away.” The 19-year-old fullback from Jesi spent last season on loan at Juve Stabia in Serie B, where he had an excellent campaign with 36 appearances, two goals, and four assists.
Should Cacciamani leave, Torino has already identified a potential replacement: Niccolò Fortini of Fiorentina, a versatile fullback capable of playing on either flank, who is highly regarded by both Petrachi and Abate. In this case as well, however, there is a gap between supply and demand: the Viola are asking for ten million euros, while the Granata won’t go beyond five. The two clubs enjoy an excellent relationship that developed after the Comuzzo deal, but negotiations remain complex.
On the goalkeeper front, everything is now set for the arrival of Lucas Perri from Leeds: the deal has been finalized in detail, but the official announcement of Trafford’s transfer from Manchester City to Leeds is still pending to definitively clear the way for the Brazilian’s move to Turin. His arrival could, in turn, free up Alberto Paleari, who has been demoted to third-string goalkeeper: Sampdoria and several Serie A clubs—including Lecce, Venezia, Cagliari, and Parma—have expressed interest in the 1992-born goalkeeper. Cairo has, however, deferred any decision regarding the goalkeeping staff to sporting director Petrachi.
