Sampdoria’s Omar Colley has enjoyed a strong season in Italy – and he has been linked with a move to the Premier League.
The Gambian centre back joined Samp in 2018, having starred in Belgium with Genk. The 27-year-old could end up heading to England after impressing in Serie A.
The rumours began in January; Tuttomercatoweb reported that Newcastle United were particularly keen on Colley, with talks allegedly held.
Then, Goal claimed that Southampton and West Ham United both like Colley too. A fee of around £15million was mentioned at the time.
In late May, Rai Sport in Italy backed up Southampton’s interest, claiming the Saints had offered around €15million (£13million) for the defender.
It seems that Colley is in high demand from Premier League clubs. The 27-year-old is big and strong at 6ft 3in tall, and that may appeal to English sides.
Now, agent Umberto Riva has spoken to TMW about the situation, claiming that there was very real interest in Colley in January, but no offers are on the table right now.
Riva noted that it’s hard to know what Colley’s price tag will be given the global pandemic, and believes Sampdoria will understandably want to make profit on the defender.
“Already in January there were real interests from the Premier League,” said Riva. “No offers have been made, but he could adapt himself to English football by characteristics. After a mixed start at Sampdoria, things have stabilized with Ranieri.”
“It was true that last season had had a more constant level, but last summer he decided to stay in Italy, where he is very well. Every time you call the directors you always talk about pre and post-virus prices, a new market … Today it is difficult to name a price, it will be necessary to see how it goes with supply and demand when the market starts. However, Samp has made an important investment, so they will rightly want to make capital gains,” he added.
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