FC Porto President Villas-Boas has confirmed that Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad made multiple bids for Porto’s star Rodrigo Mora, but the Portuguese giants remain firm on their €70 million valuation of the young striker.
Softfootball earlier reported that Al Ittihad pushed on in their chase for Rodrigo Mora after seeing a €63 million bid rejected by Porto. However, Villas-Boas insists the club will not reduce their €70 million asking price for the 18-year-old
Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano provided more details on the situation on his verified X handle, revealing Villas-Boas’ comments. He said:
Porto president Villas-Boas: Al Ittihad offered €50m for Rodrigo Mora… then they promised to offer €63m but that proposal never arrived
We agreed to let Rodrigo leave only for €70m but Al Ittihad disappeared. It happened again after summer 2024.
Villas-Boas maintained that Porto has made it clear they wouldn’t accept any payment unless it comes in full and with no deductions, in line with Mora’s €70 million release clause stated in his contract.
Villas-Boas even criticised the way Al Ittihad handled the situation after disappearing from talks. As he said, Porto agreed to let Rodrigo go only for €70 million, but Al Ittihad vanished from negotiations after the higher offer was floated. He mentioned that some parts of the negotiation weren’t fair enough, especially when they made promises that they didn’t keep.
Mora is seen as a very talented attacker and has caught the eye with Porto. He is regarded as a special talent in their youth system, and Porto wouldn’t relent when it comes to protecting their investment. The club’s stance was also reinforced by their insistence on full, immediate payment without instalments or clauses.
This delay in finalising a deal shows how much Porto value Mora not only as a player but as a strategic asset. Al Ittihad have made their interest and willingness known, but with the way things look, they have not yet been able to meet the standards set by Porto. Until they come with a clearer offer that meets all conditions, Mora is likely to stay where he is.
