Bharath Rammr
Torino forward Andrea Belotti is fast emerging as one of the top transfer targets among the top European clubs. The 23-year-old has made a major impression going forward the season. His form has been a major factor behind Torino sustaining a place in the top 10 of the Italian Serie A after having slipped into the bottom half of last season. Belotti has scored 17 league goals this season and is one of the top scorers in the Italian Serie A. Only Edin Dzeko of Roma and Gonzalo Higuain of Juventus have scored more goals than Andrea Belotti.
It has resulted in a lot of transfer speculation surrounding Belotti. Bayern Munich are thought to be one of the clubs interested in the forward, but Manchester United have made a late foray into the race. The Red Devils are understood to be concerned about the possibility of securing the signing of Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid. After speaking highly about the move to Old Trafford in the last few months, Griezmann’s camp appears to be backtracking from their decision to join the Premier League outfit due to concerns about the long-term capability of the club to challenge for honours.
Despite spending more than £500 million in the last five transfer windows, Manchester United have been unable to get anywhere near the top four, let alone the top of the Premier League. Aside from scoring 17 goals, Belotti has also managed to secure four assists in the 21 league matches. The striker has a contract with Torino until the summer of 2021, thus putting the Italian club in an extremely strong position when it comes to negotiating a potential deal for the striker. Torino were able to tie down the player on this long term contract only in December. He has been in the Torino first-team only since 2015.
Yet, the player’s mind will continue to be shifted due to interest from top clubs across Europe. Bayern Munich have long held an interest in the player, but the entry of United certainly makes the picture different.
After having been a relative unknown only a few years ago, Belotti has managed to break through into the top levels of league only since joining Torino. He had moved to Torino in the summer of 2015. He is now valued in excess of €20 million.
