Samuele Ricci’s stock continues to rise on the international stage, attracting attention from some of football’s biggest names. While Manchester City and Pep Guardiola are reportedly keen to bring him in as early as January to replace the injured Rodri, they are not alone in their pursuit of the talented Torino midfielder.
Tuttosport report that Real Madrid have been quietly monitoring Ricci since September 2021, when Carlo Ancelotti first flagged him for observation. The Spanish giants have a sophisticated scouting system for tracking Europe’s best young talents, and Ricci has passed every stage of their evaluation process. His standout performance for Italy against France on September 6th was the final seal of approval, with Real Madrid’s scouts giving the green light for a potential transfer.
Unlike Manchester City, who are looking for an immediate replacement for Rodri, Real Madrid are in no rush and would likely wait until next summer to make a move. This patience could work in their favor, as Torino president Urbano Cairo has made it clear he has no intention of selling Ricci in January, regardless of the offer.
The Guardian estimates Ricci’s value between €35-40 million, though his recent performances suggest this figure could be even higher. Ricci himself has acknowledged the flattering interest from top clubs, stating, “It’s certainly very pleasing to be linked with such important clubs, but I’ve learned a bit about football. When things are going well, you get approached by these clubs, and it’s gratifying because it means the work is right, the path is right, but I still have to grow in so many things.”
Ricci’s focus remains on Torino for now, expressing his commitment to the club and its passionate fanbase. “Torino fans deserve something more. It’s an important club with a history that almost no one has, so rightly the fans are demanding. It’s right that we try to repay them worthily,” he added.
While Torino’s stance on a January transfer seems firm, the situation could change come the end of the season. With multiple top clubs circling, including the likes of Manchester City and Real Madrid, Ricci’s future promises to be one of the most intriguing storylines of the upcoming transfer windows.
