Italian Football Agent Mino Raiola, who represents some of the most high-profile players, is in critical condition at San Raffaele Hospital in Milan. It was wrongly reported by Italian media that Raiola has passed away.
He refuted the news from his hospital bed: “Current health status for the ones wondering: p***d off second time in 4 months they kill me.”
“Seem also able to resuscitate,” he added.
Forbes estimated Raiola’s net worth to be around $84.7M, making him the richest football agent in the world. He is a law dropout who decided to start his own business after working for several years at Sports Promotions. Raiola’s first major transfer was Paul Nedved’s signing to Lazio.
The situation surrounding Raiola’s health will have major ramifications on the football market.
“I’m outraged by the phone calls from pseudo-journalists speculating on the life of a man who is fighting to survive,” said Dr. Alberto Zangrillo from San Raffaele Hospital as quoted by Fabrizio Romano on Twitter.
Let’s take a look at five footballers whose future hangs in balance as Raiola undergoes treatment:
1. Paul Pogba
Mino Raiola masterminded Paul Pogba’s record transfer worth $140 million from Juventus to Manchester United in 2016. With Pogba’s contract set to expire this year, there’s a massive question mark over his future. He had a bittersweet stint at the club, where he only managed UEFA Europa League in 2016. At 29, Pogba’s main aim is to play at a club where he doesn’t have to worry about UEFA Champions League qualification. As per some reports, he has an offer on the table from Paris Saint-Germain.
2. Erling Haaland
One of the most sought-after strikers in world football, Erling Haaland is on every club’s radar. But not every club can afford Haaland; his release clause has been set at $98.6 million. Mino Raiola was set to gain a €40 million euro commission from his transfer. If rumors are anything to go by, Real Madrid and Manchester City are leading the race. Raiola and Erling’s father Alf-Inge Haaland are working hard to find a new club for the Norwegian striker.
3. Stefan de Vrij
Inter Milan is willing to cash in on Stefan de Vrij, whose contract runs until 2023. De Vrij was a vital cog of Antonio Conte’s side last year. And as per some reports, Conte wants the Dutch defender at Tottenham. He faces some serious competition from Manchester City.
4. Marco Verratti
Since he plays in Ligue 1, Matco Verratti’s brilliance is not appreciated as much as it should be. But whenever he plays in the European competition, be it for country or club, Verratti always hogs the limelight for his aesthetic runs, precise passes, and dirty tackles. At 29, there’s a lot left in him, and PSG won’t like to part ways with him on a free transfer. Some Premier League clubs are clearly interested in him, and Raiola’s negotiation skills will surely help him in getting a lucrative deal.
5. Matthijs de Ligt
With Juventus going through a financial crisis, it shouldn’t come as a surprise if they decide to sell Matthijs de Ligt, whose contract expires in 2024. Barcelona is facing stiff competition from Chelsea to sign a Juventus centerback.
