Rafaela Pimenta, the lawyer who has inherited the Mino Raiola empire, discussed her various clients and the post-World Cup transfer window.
The Brazilian lawyer, who can speak six languages, worked closely with Raiola for over 18 years before his unexpected death earlier this year. Pimenta is one of few to receive direct shares of the agency One following Raiola’s passing and she’s now inherited his work, representing the interest of a number of top players around the world.
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Pimenta first looked ahead to the post-World Cup transfer window.
“I’m curious to find out what will happen in January with the World Cup in the middle of the season. For sure there will be some players who will make many fall in love. But will they be able to change teams straight away? Maybe there will be a rush to book them for the summer.”
She spoke about the current form of Juventus forward Moise Kean.
“Moise has held his own in difficult times with the support of those around him and he will be a key player for Juve for a long time.”
The agent commented on the current plans of midfielder Paul Pogba, who has remained sidelined this season following a knee operation.
“Paul was invited by France to Qatar, but he decided to visit Pittsburgh and stay and work during the holidays. After the bitterness of this missed World Cup and the contribution he could not give to Juventus, he wants to make up for lost time.
“So no time off, just lots of work to get back to Allegri’s disposal as quickly as possible. He only listened to medical advice, he didn’t decide on instinct. The witch doctor? A story to be proven. I don’t know if that’s what happened.”
Pimenta explained why Gianluigi Donnarumma decided to leave Milan on a free transfer for Paris Saint-Germain.
“At PSG he overcame the initial difficulties well. His was a sporting choice to challenge himself and increase his experience, he didn’t leave Milan for economic reasons. His future is all to be written, he has a career ahead of him.”
She also explained why Alessio Romagnoli chose Lazio after leaving the Rossoneri.
“Instead, Alessio Romagnoli made a fan’s choice, he could have gone to the Premier League and earned more money, now he feels happy at Lazio.”
The lawyer touched on Erling Haaland’s decision to join Manchester City in the summer.
“The choice of Erling was first and foremost a technical one. When Guardiola and City gave guarantees on his use on the pitch the negotiation went forward.
“The precedent of Zlatan didn’t weigh in, because the agent has to take a step back from the player’s interest. He and Mbappé are certainly the stars destined to pick up the legacy of Messi and Ronaldo.”
Finally, Pimenta picked a star talent she’s hoping will make the jump to a top club.
“I bet on Wesley, the full-back who arrived too young at Juve. With Ronaldo’s Cruzeiro he was promoted, he can return to Europe as a star player.”