Turin Transfer Market: Michele Di Gregorio Could Be the Key to the Goal
On the goalkeeper front, Torino continues to make decisive moves. In the Cup, young Diego Mascardi—born in 2006—is expected to start in goal, and the Granata club has great confidence in him. At the same time, however, the front office is still working to sign Lucas Perri, who is set to leave Leeds. The Brazilian has reportedly already agreed to a transfer to Turin, though a final agreement between the two clubs has yet to be reached.
Negotiations initially began on the basis of a loan with a fee of one million euros and an option to buy, but the valuation for a potential purchase has since risen from 12 to 14 million. Furthermore, Leeds does not seem to be in a hurry to close the deal, and this attitude could pave the way for Marseille to enter the picture. The French club is, however, keeping other options open, including one involving Michele Di Gregorio, whose stint at Juventus now seems to be nearing its end: if the former Monza player were to join the Biancocelesti, it would also be a step forward for the Granata. The transfer market is full of twists and turns…
Torino remains confident, however, bolstered above all by the preference Perri is said to have expressed for a move to the Granata. Marseille’s current stance—leaning toward a loan deal—also leaves room for Petrachi to maneuver. The sporting director will have to try to speed things up, however: dragging out negotiations with Leeds too long could in fact allow other suitors to enter the fray and shift the balance of the deal.
Meanwhile, news from England has also shed light on Perri’s future: Leeds has signed James Trafford as the Brazilian’s replacement, an unmistakable sign that the split is now final. Perri’s arrival would also have a direct impact on the other goalkeeper on the roster: Alberto Paleari would then be demoted to the role of third-string goalkeeper, a scenario that the 1992-born Milan academy product seems unlikely to accept. Sampdoria has made concrete moves for him, acting more decisively than other clubs, but Lecce, Venezia, Cagliari, and Parma have also expressed interest—all teams in search of an experienced goalkeeper. Petrachi will evaluate the offers, but the feeling is that Paleari is tempted to leave in search of more playing time.
