Everton, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a warning about Marash Kumbulla, with a former Serie A ace telling Lady Radio that the Hellas Verona centre-back is not worth his £25 million price-tag.
It is easy to forget that Hellas were only promoted back to the first division last year.
Under the stewardship of the much-admired Ivan Juric, the yellow and blues are eighth in the table and dreaming of Europe, stunning league-leaders Juventus along the way.
Much of their success has been down to their superb defensive record, with Albania international Kumbulla ensuring that just 26 goals have been conceded in 25 matches.
As a result, speculation suggests that the 20-year-old is set for a big-money move with a host of Premier League giants tipped to make a bid for his services.
Kumbulla is one of many talented young defenders on Arsenal’s radar, according to FCInterNews in May, while Liverpool (TuttoNapoli), Tottenham (FirenzeViola) and Everton (Gazzetta) are also also apparently interested.
Fabio Galante, however , is yet to be convinced.
“Hellas’ demand for £25 million for Kumbulla is probably a bit too high, but having prices that are a bit high is a now trend in current football,” says the former Inter Milan, Torino and Genoa man.
“I believe that there may be an auction for the boy. However, I hope that we (Inter will not spend too much money on him.”
You can see where Galante is coming from.
Kumbulla may have been a revelation in recent months but this is still just his first-ever season in one of Europe’s top leagues. He has a long way to go if he is to show that he can maintain this kind of form for a number of years.
For £25 million, you would be buying potential rather than proven quality.
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