Sasa Lukic did not train with the Torino squad today as the Serie A enforcer prepares to pack his bags and head to the Premier League with Fulham, according to Tuttomercatoweb.
At his Friday press conference, in the build up to Il Granata’s 2-2 draw with Empoli, head coach Ivan Juric insisted that Torino would bounce back stronger from the departure of their former captain. Behind the scenes, however, the Croatian coach does not appear to be quite so relaxed.
Sport Italia say that Juric is ‘furious’ about Lukic’s impending departure. One of the longest-serving players at Torino, the Serbia international has started 13 Serie A games this season. His leadership, reliability and set-piece prowess will certainly be missed. Torino’s loss very much Fulham’s gain.
According to TMW, Marco Silva’s side will pay £11.5 million; £9 million up front. Lukic will sign a four-and-a-half year deal until the summer of 2027, while taking home almost £40,000-a-week at Craven Cottage.
The report adds that Lukic should board a flight to London Monday evening. The former Partizan Belgrade man was conspicuous by his absence during Torino’s training session earlier today. Lukic, who featured at the Qatar World Cup, will link up with compatriot Aleksandr Mitrovic at Fulham.
“I was with him in Turin,” Juventus’ former Granata defender Gleison Bremer tells Mozzart Sport of Lukic. “He is an excellent midfielder.”
Fulham are closing in on Torino midfielder Sasa Lukic
A rangy and physical presence at 6ft, the one-time Levante loanee should provide some much-needed strength in depth at Craven Cottage, Fulham lacking genuine cover for the outstanding Joao Palhinha.
The seldom-seen Nathaniel Chalobah, meanwhile, could join West Brom before Tuesday’s deadline.
In addition to Lukic, Fulham have also made big-money bids in the region of £20 million for Sheffield United’s Sander Berge and Fluminense starlet Andre Trindade.
“He’s not here,” Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom told The Star; Berge left out of Sheffield United’s 3-3 FA Cup draw with Wrexham. “We’ve been asked not to use him. Our club’s speaking to other clubs regarding him.
“It doesn’t mean Sander’s going anywhere. Sander is happy here. But the situation we find ourselves in – mid-takeover with a transfer embargo, no clarity which way it’s going and financial issues – one way to potentially resolve some issues is selling a player.”
Newcastle United are also chasing Norway international Berge.
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