18-year-old Man Utd target agrees BIZARRE transfer

18-year-old Porto wonderkid Rodrigo Mora has agreed to leave his boyhood club for Al-Ittihad.

The Portuguese youngster enjoyed a real breakout season last term, establishing himself as a regular for his hometown club, having grown up in Custoias on the outskirts of Porto.

Mora, a versatile attacking midfielder, notched 11 goals and provided four assists in his first season of regular senior football. This form naturally saw the teenager attract big-name attention, with the likes of Man Utd and PSG linked with him this summer.

Porto looked to have successfully fended off the interest in their golden boy by handing him a bumper new deal, but one major concession had to be made: Mora’s release clause was reduced from €100 million to €70m.

This changed price tag is now seemingly causing a problem, as it has attracted Saudi suitors. According to reports in Portugal, and since confirmed by Fabrizio Romano, Al-Ittihad have opened talks with Porto for Mora.

Mora says yes to Al-Ittihad

Al-Ittihad are reportedly looking to pay slightly more than Mora’s release clause to secure better payment terms, and this deal appears to have a very good chance of happening.

Ben Jacobs reports that Mora has already agreed terms with the Jeddah giants, who are likely offering a life-changing amount of money. The Saudi Pro League wants to attract more young players, and Mora could become one of the biggest signings yet.

His willingness to leave his boyhood club is likely also influenced by the appointment of Francesco Farioli as new Porto boss. The Italian favours a risk-averse style of play and has not found a place for Mora in his side.

Gabri Veiga is likely also playing his part in this deal. The Spaniard faced vicious criticism for moving to Al-Ahli at just 21 in 2023, with then-Real Madrid star Toni Kroos describing his decision as ’embarrassing.’

Veiga returned to Europe earlier this summer by joining Porto, which proved that going to the Middle East for a few years did not harm his chances of playing at the top European level.

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