Nasser Al Khelaifi has a very clear objective: frustrate FC Barcelona's plans in the upcoming transfer market. The president of Paris Saint-Germain has reportedly prepared a large offer of 70 million euros to secure the signing of one of the new emerging talents in Portuguese soccer. A move that threatens to disrupt an operation that in recent days had gained momentum in the offices of Camp Nou.
The protagonist of this story is Rodrigo Mora, the latest gem of FC Porto. At 17 years old, the young forward is causing a sensation in Portugal, being compared even to Lamine Yamal for his flair, technical quality, and maturity on the field. His emergence has not gone unnoticed, and several European giants have already positioned themselves to try to secure his services.
Recently, during the traditional meal at the Botafumeiro restaurant between Joan Laporta, Deco, and agent Jorge Mendes, the name of the young talent came up. Mendes, who also represents Rodrigo Mora, proposed to Barça the possibility of signing him, taking advantage of his good relationship with the blaugrana club. The scenario seemed favorable, but the emergence of PSG has altered all plans.
Laporta Gets Ahead of PSG
Al Khelaifi's strategy is clear: get ahead of Barcelona by putting on the table an almost irresistible offer for both FC Porto and the player himself. The 70 million euros that the Parisian club would be willing to pay represent a figure much higher than what Barça could afford. The Catalan club is aware of its delicate financial situation and the restrictions imposed by Financial Fair Play for this transfer market.
Rodrigo Mora has sparked a true revolution in Portugal and has established himself with Porto in the Primeira Liga. His enormous dribbling ability, ease in finding the goal, and vision of the game make him one of the most solid star projects in European soccer. It is no coincidence that his name already appears on the major agendas of the best clubs, nor that PSG has decided to act so decisively.
Cubarsi and Yamal Bet on Talent
At Barça, they are fully aware of the difficulty involved in competing economically with PSG. However, sources close to the negotiation assure that Deco remains hopeful of convincing the player by appealing to the sports project. Betting on the play style and the example of young players like Lamine Yamal or Pau Cubarsi, who have succeeded in the first team of the blaugrana.
Jorge Mendes will play a key role in this operation, the Portuguese super-agent knows that Barcelona needs to strengthen with young talent and that Rodrigo Mora is liked by Deco. Additionally, the harmony that the Portuguese agent keeps with Joan Laporta could help tip the balance. Even so, PSG's financial pressure may be difficult to counteract.
In the coming weeks, contacts are expected to intensify to try to define the future of the young Portuguese star. In Barcelona, they are crossing their fingers that Rodrigo Mora prioritizes his sports development over the million-dollar offer from Paris.