Torino FC Nears Simeone Deal as Market Activity Heats up – Baroni Era Begins
Turin, Italy – August 23, 2023 – Torino FC is on the verge of securing Argentinian forward Giovanni Simeone from Napoli, with a final agreement expected today, according to multiple Italian sports outlets. The potential transfer, valued between €6-7 million, comes as Torino navigates a challenging period with Colombian forward Duvan Zapata’s delayed recovery from injury. This development marks a significant step in bolstering the Granata’s attacking options ahead of the new Serie A season.The Baroni Project: A New Course for Torino
The arrival of new head coach Marco Baroni signals a fresh chapter for Torino.La Gazzetta dello Sport dedicated coverage to Baroni’s first “Month of Toro,” outlining his core philosophies. Baroni is prioritizing a “Grenade spirit” and building a cohesive, resilient team. His tactical approach emphasizes “relational football” and flexible formations,aiming for a fluid and dynamic style of play. Crucially, he’s also focused on improving dialog and reigniting fan enthusiasm.
Transfer Market Updates: beyond Simeone
The pursuit of Simeone isn’t the only activity in the Torino transfer market. The club is also actively engaged in negotiations for defensive reinforcements. Spartak Moscow has renewed its interest in Brazilian defender Coco, but Torino is reportedly seeking at least €16 million for his transfer. The Granata are also monitoring Polish center-back Jakub Idzes, and exploring options with Venezia for Oristanio.
Further complicating matters, zapata’s recovery is proving slower than anticipated, potentially sidelining him for another month. This has accelerated the push for Simeone’s arrival. Printing newspaper reported on the tests revealing Zapata’s continued struggles.
Elmas Situation & Njie’s Return
north Macedonian international Elmas remains a key target, though RB Leipzig is currently unwilling to offer discounts.Leipzig coach Marco Werner, following a pleasant match against Atalanta where Elmas featured, acknowledged the player’s challenging situation but praised his positive attitude and training commitment. Werner stated Elmas is “managing it in the right way” and “is not letting himself be hit.”
Positive news also emerges regarding Swedish winger Joel Njié, who is recovering from a fractured malleolus suffered in February, compounded by subsequent calf issues. Njié has rejoined group training at the club’s Philadelphia training facility, marking a significant step in his rehabilitation.Stadium Debate Continues
The long-running debate surrounding Torino’s stadium situation resurfaced, with former councilor Paolo peveraro suggesting the Stadio Olimpico coudl be renovated to a standard comparable to the Juventus Stadium. cairo is reportedly seeking equal conditions for stadium development.
