Florin Manea, the agent of Genoa starlet Radu Dragusin, suggested that his client would only leave Liguria ‘for a very important team’.
The 21-year-old Romanian centre back has emerged as one of the most promising young defenders in the Italian topflight this term, attracting the attention of a number of top clubs across Europe. He has played every available minute for Genoa in the league this campaign, proving invaluable.
Dragusin joined Genoa on a permanent transfer from Juventus in the summer for just €5.5m and his market value has shot up over the last few months, looking destined to make the jump to a top club in the coming summer transfer window.
Speaking to Sport Italia, Manea first discussed his client’s work in training.
“A little while ago he told me he was already in the gym training. His way of working is impressive and with this Juventus was important for his growth, having trained with champions of the calibre of Chiellini and Ronaldo.”
He confirmed that he’d long believed in Dragusin’s potential.
“Yes, he told me he wanted to become the best defender in the world. And I said: ‘Okay Radu: then we have to work hard for that target.’
“And every day since then he has worked remaining the same humble boy as always. In 18 years of my career as an agent I’ve never seen someone so intelligent, down to earth. He’s in his last year of university, so to speak…”
The agent was asked where his client needs to improve next.
“Well, he still has a lot to improve, but I’ll say this, for his age he is at a high level. Think about what he’ll be like when he is 23, 24, if now that he is 21, he’s already so strong. There are not many in the world, I think of Gvardiol and a few others.”
Manea spoke about the Romanian defender’s possible new contract with Genoa.
“We said to ourselves that we will talk after the transfer market. We don’t want to leave either, we start from this assumption. Then if an important club comes that can make him make a leap in his career it’s normal that they can evaluate him.
“Just like Genoa, if an important figure arrives, according to what we’ve read there is talk of possible offers of €30m. In life certain trains arrive once or twice, but we are in no hurry to leave, many teams have called and are interested.
“If something will come out of these fine, otherwise we’re happy here and after the transfer window we’ll certainly find an agreement to renew.”
The agent was asked about the interest of Roma and Atalanta, and if that proved interesting to Dragusin.
“In my opinion, if he leaves Genoa, he must do so for a very important team. I’m talking about one of the top five or six in the Premier League, the top in Italy like Inter or Milan.
“I mention these names as examples, not to say that they have interest. They are very strong teams, and we would be happy if they were interested in him. Let’s see, now we’re thinking about working.”
Finally, Manea confirmed that some Serie A clubs had already inquired about Dragusin.
“Yes, there are also Italian teams interested in him, I’ll confirm that. As I was saying, first of all Genoa must be happy. Then it is normal that at that point it would be up to me to carry on the talks. If they arrive, they arrive, otherwise we’re very happy.”