FC Porto have refused to accept Roma’s proposed conditions for the permanent signing of Rodrigo Mora, with the Portuguese club insisting the €50m transfer must be guaranteed rather than dependent on what they regard as “unrealistic” targets.
The two clubs appeared to have reached an agreement on the structure of the deal late on Tuesday. Roma were expected to pay between €7m and €10m for a loan, with a further €40m to €43m due if an option to buy became compulsory after certain conditions were met.
However, the agreement broke down when Porto saw the proposed criteria for activating the obligation. The Portuguese club had expected the targets to be straightforward and achievable, but were reportedly shocked by the demands put forward by Roma.
According to O Jogo and A Bola, the conditions include Roma qualifying for the Champions League while Mora plays a specified number of matches. Another reported requirement is for the Italian club to win the Serie A title.
Those terms have been described as “unrealistic” because Roma have only just returned to the Champions League after a seven-year absence. They have also not won the Serie A title since 2001.
The impasse means Porto are prepared to keep Mora unless Roma agree to a structure that guarantees the full €50m sale. At present, neither side appears willing to compromise on the key part of the proposal.
Agent Jorge Mendes is attempting to mediate between the clubs, but reports claim there has been no direct contact between Porto and Roma for more than 24 hours.
The situation is further complicated by what is described as a difficult relationship between Mendes and Porto president Andre Villas-Boas.
Mora turned 19 in May and made a significant contribution for Porto last season, scoring five goals and providing two assists in 44 competitive appearances.
The Portugal Under-? No, no information. Need not add. He can operate as a trequartista behind the striker, as a support forward or as an attacking winger.
Porto’s position is therefore clear: they will not accept conditions that make the eventual transfer dependent on major achievements by Roma or on an uncertain number of appearances. Unless the obligation to buy is made easy to trigger, Mora is expected to remain with the Portuguese club.
Nico is also waiting.