Turin Transfer Market: The Surprise Could Come from Greece

Pedersen’s departure has prompted Torino to seek a new reinforcement for the right flank, and one of the names they’re tracking with the most interest is Verona’s Rafik Belghali. The Algerian winger has long been on the Granata management’s radar, and they watched him closely during the World Cup as well.

Until a few days ago, however, Torino had not made a move, partly because Belghali seemed destined for Sassuolo. Negotiations with Sassuolo, however, appear to have stalled, reportedly due in part to certain demands made by the player. The Piedmont-based club therefore wants to try to take advantage of the situation and make a serious bid.

There is no shortage of competition, though. In recent hours, Olympiacos has also stepped up its pursuit of Belghali and aims to outbid the other contenders. The Greek club is reportedly ready to move quickly: as early as today, it could submit an official offer of around 8 million euros to Verona, upending Torino’s plans.

Belghali’s profile has long been known to Italian football insiders: a right-back of Algerian descent born in Leuven in 2002, he joined Verona in the summer of 2025 as a replacement for Jackson Tchatchoua, who had been sold to Wolverhampton. The Gialloblù had purchased him outright from KV Mechelen, where he had made 36 appearances last season in the Pro League, scoring one goal and providing one assist. Before moving to Belgium, Belghali had come up through the youth systems of Sint-Truiden, PSV, Lierse, Zulte Waregem, and Lommel. He had signed a contract with Verona running through June 2029, but the club’s relegation to Serie B at the end of last season has prompted Verona to consider selling him to recoup their investment.

This isn’t the first time Belghali’s name has been heavily linked to major Italian clubs: as early as last January’s transfer window, he had caught the eye of Inter—which was grappling with problems on the right flank due to Dumfries’ injury—and Juventus. At the time, however, his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations had complicated the suitors’ plans, effectively postponing the matter until the summer.