January Mercato Review

As the first post on this blog, I decided to attempt to make some predictions of which players Torino would be looking at purchasing in the January transfer window, as well as the suggestion that it would be unlikely that Toro would be able to keep Angelo Ogbonna.

Fortunately for all Torino fans, Toro were able to maintain the services of the highly rated defender, unfortunately for this blog however, out of the three players suggested as possible transfer targets, a grand total of zero came to fruition. Whilst Filippo Carobbio, Abdelkader Ghezzal, Cristian Pellerano did not sign, Torino were busy in the window, with Alessandro Budel, Denilson Gabionetta and Biagio Pagano all being signed to strengthen the midfield. Perhaps the most important signing however, may be the purchase of striker Mirco Antenucci who may be able to relieve some of the pressures placed on the shoulders of Rolando Bianchi, who yet again has been the main goalscorer this season.

Torino were also busy on deadline day, with the loan signing of Lazio full back Luis Pedro Cavanda, whilst Portuguese defender Filipe Oliveira has returned to Parma, after his loan spell was terminate by the club.

Oliveira was not the only departure of the window, with Isaac Cofie and Luigi Scaglia returning to their parent clubs after loan spells. Luca Belingheri left the club to join Livorno, and Massimo Loviso has joined Crotone on loan. Whilst Mario Salgado, Aimo Diana and Jurgen Säumel all had their contracts terminated by mutual consent.

January Mercato Preview

With Torino occupying 5th position in the Serie B table at the turn of the year, the January transfer window will be an opportunity to strengthen the squad in the hope of  maintaining a promotion push. As with all clubs, rumours of possible signings are rife at this time in the season, though with President Urbano Cairo promising at least four signings, Torino are sure to be one of the more active clubs in the division. 

Tuttosport have mentioned Filippo Carobbio and Algerian international Abdelkader Ghezzal as potential players to improve the midfield, as has the Argentinean Cristian Pellerano who is currently plying his trade with Independiente. It is becoming increasingly unlikely that Torino will be able to keep hold of the impressive defender Angelo Ogbonna, who is being linked with clubs both in Italy and England. 

Ogbonna, who can play both at centre back and left back, has been linked with Napoli and Genoa, as well as the Premier League trio of Arsenal, Everton and Manchester City. Whilst the loss of Ogbonna would undoubtedly be a blow, the rumoured price tag of 10 million euros would represent a fair price, for a player who cost the club nothing after coming through the clubs youth academy. However, the better news for Torino fans is the fact that captain Rolando Bianchi is expected to stay with the club, therefore snubbing a possible move to Serie A.