A host of Premier League clubs could suffer a blow in the race for Samu Aghehowa, with the striker not pushing to leave FC Porto in January.
According to a report by TEAMtalk, a host of Premier League clubs hopeful of signing Samu Aghehowa could face disappointment in the chase. The Spanish international is not pushing towards the exit door in January, which may let FC Porto decide his future based on their own financial situation.
Portuguese clubs do not necessarily oppose a sale of their big players in January, although, from a sporting sense, they always lean towards keeping them. In the case of Samu Aghehowa, there are plenty of complications, including the reported release clause in his contract, which could be more than €80 million.
FC Porto president Andre Villas-Boas is aware of the growing interest in the forward, and might potentially sanction a deal if there are big finances involved. Hence, there is a chance the club might demand the full value of the release clause with the prospect of restructuring the deal if needed.
Tottenham were seen as the front-runners in the race, while others have been credited with an interest in Samu Aghehowa of late. Aston Villa and Newcastle United are also admirers, while there are others in the mix, as FC Porto were potentially anticipating offers to come in during the January window.
There are significant doubts whether some of those interested parties will want to pay as much for the Olympic gold medalist, given there will be strict budget constraints in January. On a financial standpoint, Porto might consider, although the decision might also rest with the striker, who is now leaning towards staying at the club.
Does Samu Aghehowa want to leave FC Porto?
Samu is reportedly happy with life at Porto, and he is not pushing to leave the club ahead of the January window. The striker is eager to keep playing well and keep himself in the mix for the Spanish squad at the World Cup next year, something he might fear could be disrupted if he is involved in a January exit.
Given the rising stature of the €80 million-rated Olympic gold medalist, he would seriously consider a switch to England or Spain at some stage, but that could be in the summer. With Samu Aghehowa not forcing an exit out of Porto, Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Tottenham could be dealt a severe blow in the race, which could force them to look at alternatives in the market.