FC Porto Reject €63m Offer from Al Ittihad for Rodrigo Mora

FC Porto have turned down a €63 million offer from Al Ittihad for midfielder Rodrigo Mora. The Portuguese club says Mora will only leave if the full €70 million release clause is paid, which is stated in his contract until 2030 according to reports.

AL ITTIHAD’S PUSH FOR MORA HITS THE WALL

Al Ittihad offered €63 million and a 10% share of Mora‘s future transfer fee. FC Porto rejected the offer, insisting on the €70 million release clause. Al Ittihad still hope to reach a deal before the Saudi transfer window closes on September 10, with negotiations ongoing between the clubs as noted in a previous update.

Reports suggest 18-year-old Mora has agreed personal terms with Al Ittihad. FC Porto, however, will only sell if the full release clause is met.

CONTEXT: MORA’S RISE AND THE DETAILS

Mora is regarded as one of the brightest young players to come from FC Porto’s academy. He made 36 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring six goals and assisting three more according to sources. He has continued his impressive form this season, scoring four goals in 20 appearances in all competitions.

FC Porto are also not in a position where they need to sell Mora, having recouped €110 million in player sales during the January transfer window. Therefore, they are demanding Mora’s full release clause of €70 million.

Al Ittihad have €78 million to spend in the transfer window, but they are reluctant to trigger Mora’s release clause. They remain hopeful of landing Mora and want him to play in Friday’s top-of-the-table Al Clasico against Al Hilal.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR PORTO, MORA, AND AL ITTIHAD?

Al Ittihad will now have about a week to try to convince Porto to sell Mora. Reports have suggested that Laurent Blanc’s side could make a player exchange offer for Mora, and ESPN understands that remains a possibility.

If Al Ittihad fail to sign Mora, ESPN has reported that Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips is their No. 2 option. They are prepared to pay up to €58 million for Phillips.