The Transfer Saga: Frattesi and Roma
Last month, the football world was abuzz with speculation about the potential transfer of Inter Milan midfielder Davide Frattesi to Roma. The 25-year-old Italian international, frustrated by limited playing time at the San Siro, found himself at the center of a protracted and intriguing negotiation. However, despite significant interest and attempts to secure his signature, the deal ultimately fell through. The primary obstacle was Inter’s insistence on a high transfer fee, coupled with Roma’s inability to meet these demands through a player-plus-cash bid involving Bryan Cristante.
Agent Riso’s Perspective
Beppe Riso, Frattesi’s agent, recently shed light on the behind-the-scenes dynamics of this transfer saga in an interview with Rome-based newspaper La Repubblica. Riso, known for his shrewd and often forceful negotiation style, admitted that the idea of Frattesi moving to Roma was largely his initiative. "Or, if you prefer, it was something I tried to force," he candidly stated. Riso’s primary motivation was Frattesi’s apparent dissatisfaction with his current role at Inter. "Davide seemed unhappy to me because he expected to play more," Riso explained, revealing his deep concern for his client’s well-being and career progression.
Roma’s Strong Interest
Given Frattesi’s Roman roots and his lifelong support for Roma, it was no surprise that the Giallorossi were among the most interested parties. "When it comes to Frattesi, it’s to be expected that the idea of moving to Roma would be considered," Riso noted. However, the transfer negotiations were far from straightforward. Roma, while eager to bring Frattesi back to his hometown club, found the financial demands from Inter to be a significant hurdle. The inclusion of Bryan Cristante in the deal was an attempt to bridge the gap, but it ultimately proved insufficient to sway Inter’s board.
International Interest
The transfer saga was not confined to Italian shores, as Riso revealed that several high-profile teams from the Premier League and La Liga had also expressed strong interest in Frattesi. "But there were also big teams in La Liga and particularly the Premier League who came forward," he stated. These international clubs saw potential in the talented midfielder, who has shown flashes of brilliance in Serie A. However, the complexity of negotiating with multiple parties and the steadfast position of Inter made the international bids equally challenging to materialize.
Frattesi’s Decision
Ultimately, the decision to stay at Inter was Frattesi’s, driven by his ambition and the club’s standing in European football. "If the deal had been done, I would have tried to get Cristante to Inter," Riso disclosed, highlighting the intricate nature of player exchanges. "But everything ended because of what Davide wanted. He cared about staying at the Nerazzurri and fighting for every trophy." Frattesi’s commitment to Inter’s success and the club’s strong European presence played a crucial role in his decision to remain with the team.
Future Prospects and Ambitions
Riso remains optimistic about Frattesi’s future at Inter, emphasizing that the midfielder still has a bright future ahead. "They’re one of the strongest teams in Europe," he said, "and he can still win a lot of trophies in Milan." Frattesi’s staying power at the San Siro underscores his belief in the club’s potential and his desire to contribute to its continued success. As the season progresses, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see if this decision translates into increased playing time and further accolades for the young talent.
