You’ll know all about Mino Raiola’s links with Zlatan and Pogba but which other world stars owe their success to the outspoken super-agent?
There are few figures in the modern game as powerful and influential as Mino Raiola. To some, an obnoxious rent-a-gob, orchestrating the world press to callously force big moves and bigger contracts. To others, he is a savvy, respected father figure, guiding his players down the path the stardom and guaranteeing them the very best.
Whatever you think of him, the 47-year-old super-agent is football’s outspoken, omnipresent, king of the transfer market with a client list so impressive you could make a rather fearsome XI.
Need some proof?
Gianluigi Donnarumma
The youngest ever Serie A goalkeeper, Donnarumma is one of the best shot-stoppers in the Italian top flight and almost certainly the Azzurri’s next great number one. The 6ft 5ins teen made his international bow in Italy’s 3-1 defeat against France last week, replacing one Gianluigi Buffon, 21 years his senior.
Kenny Tete
A pillar of light amid dark days for Holland, Ajax right-back Tete ousted Ricardo Van Rijn for both club and country. Luckily for Raiola, the 20-year-old is certain to rise in value.
Rodrigo Ely
The 22-year-old was sent off on his Serie A debut for AC Milan in the opening day of last season but possesses the poise and passing skills sure to impress new coach Vincenzo Montella.
Thomas Lam
A confident, modern centre-half signed by Nottingham Forest from Eredivisie side PEC Zwolle this summer. The Finland international has already made a big impact at the City Ground, netting a swerving long-ranger on debut against Burton Albion.
Maxwell
The archetypal 7 out of 10 man, Maxwell’s enduring consistency means he has played at the top level far longer than anyone expected. The 35-year-old has won eleven league titles combined with Ajax, Inter, Barcelona and PSG.
Paul Pogba
The most expensive player in the history of the beautiful game, Pogba’s £90 million transfer from Juventus to Manchester United pocketed Raiola a cool £20 million, according to AS.
Blaise Matuidi
The subject of a failed bid from Juventus this summer, Matuidi remains at PSG and his energetic, driving runs will be central to the Parisians’ Champions League challenge.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan
The Bundesliga Player of the Season in 2015/16, Mkhitaryan followed in the footsteps of the award’s previous winner, Kevin De Bruyne, in moving to Manchester. The Armenian scored 23 and created 32 last season.
Giacomo Bonaventura
The standout performer in the worst Milan team in living memory. A creative and clever playmaker, only Miralem Pjanic, Roberto Soriano and Pogba scored more than Bonaventura from central midfield in Serie A last season.
Romelu Lukaku
Reportedly close to signing for both Chelsea and Juventus this summer, Lukaku’s £28 million move to Everton in 2015 will surely be eclipsed by his next transfer fee. The Belgian is only the fifth player to hit 50 Premier League goals under the age of 23. The others? Robbie Fowler, Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
A serial winner and the crown jewel of Raiola’s treasure collection, Zlatan put to rest any doubts about his 34-year-old frame by netting 4 in his first 3 appearances for Manchester United. Title winner 12 years in a row, can he make it 13 this season?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
