While Porto’s stirring Champions League triumph over Juventus will be remembered for Sergio Oliveira’s fateful free-kick – and that ill-timed Cristiano Ronaldo jump – a mesmerising piece of skill from Jesus ‘Tecatito’ Corona best epitomised the bravery and character of the Portuguese giants in a tie no-one expected them to win.
Picking up the ball near the corner flag, the Mexico international sent Arthur for an early calzone with a glorious dummy before floating an inch-perfect cross on to the head of Moussa Marega.
The Porto striker failed to accept the gift, planting his effort straight into the arms of a grateful Wojciech Szczesny. But, for Corona, it was the crowning moment of what felt like a statement performance on the biggest of stages.
And with Sic Noticias reporting the former FC Twente speedster will be available to buy for £18 million between May and July – his release clause dropping by 33 per cent for an eight-week window – this may be an opportunity too good to miss.
According to A Bola, Everton and West Ham United showed an interest last year. Wolves, meanwhile, made a £20 million bid in September. Seven months on, Corona will be available for £2 million less than that.
From 1 July onwards, one of the most productive widemen in European football will return to his usual, £26 million price tag.
But the fact such a clause exists – one that allows clubs to sign Corona at a reduced fee, albeit for a limited time – suggests the chalk-booted winger is keen to put himself in the shop window. At 28, he may feel time is running out if he wants to prove himself in a major European league.
Whether at right-back or further forward on the wing, Corona is a force to be reckoned with. Since the start of last season, he’s notched a staggering 32 assists – 12 more than Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold.
It’s no secret Everton are chasing a right-back capable of easing the burden on Seamus Coleman while, at Wolves, Nelson Semedo has his fair share of doubters.
So, for Porto, 1 July can’t come soon enough.
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