For the mass majority of football players, the age of 28 marks the peak of their careers. This time next year, Alessio Cerci will find he has reached this very point in life. Having played his best football these last two years with Torino, the summer transfer window has become something of a final opportunity for Cerci. Should he choose to capitalize on the latter half of his footballing career and make a big money transfer, here are the possible candidates for his signature.
To play out the final years of a career where it all began has become something of a cliché, and one that presents itself to Cerci in the form of Roma. A product of the Giallorossi youth academy, Cerci made his Serie A debut in May 2004 and after several spells out on loan left abruptly for Fiorentina. Despite a limited run in the Roma team, Cerci has never denied his willingness to return to the capital.
The timing couldn’t be better for a Roma reunion. Rudi Garcia’s team have recently returned to the illustrious Champions League with a very competitive squad at the Frenchman’s disposal. Should Cerci intend on leaving Torino, his own ambitions should help fuel the transfer, with European football an obvious enticement.
However, a week prior to Cerci’s 27th birthday, Roma signed Juan Manuel Iturbe from Hellas Verona for €22 million. Therefore the chances of Roma taking on Cerci now seem unlikely.
At one stage, Inter were rumoured to be Cerci’s favoured destination. Although they appear very different to the team that lifted the Champions League four years ago, the Nerazzurri still have plenty of bite and look to have assembled a solid group of players. The signing of Cerci would be a brilliant way for new owner Erick Thohir to win the fans over, even if Inter can only offer Europa League football at the moment. The key for Inter is to present a clear and attractive project to entice the winger to the club. And with Hernanes and Nemanja Vidic already onboard, it certainly augurs one of a very competitive quality.
Monaco are the newest of the nouveau-riche clubs in the footballing arena, and thus will have little issue meeting Torino’s asking-price for Cerci. The recent departure of James Rodriguez for Real Madrid and reports of striker Radamel Falcao nearing an exit as well, Monaco are keen to find replacements.
A change of scenery in Ligue 1 could get the best out of the Italian, with the added bonus of Champions League football. However, the team is not as competitive as it was last season, which could factor into Cerci’s decision. What’s more, Torino have reportedly received several offers from Monaco, which have all been summarily rejected.
If Monaco don’t appear an attractive proposition, then Atletico Madrid could perhaps be of greater interest. The La Liga champions have a lot going for them despite some notable changes to their team, not just in terms of a new and attractive squad but also a great coach in the form of Diego Simeone.
With a similar appeal to that of Roma, it could be the case once again that Cerci’s spot has been filled. The addition of Antoine Griezmann may have scuppered the 27 year-old’s chances of a transfer, as it would be difficult to bench either of the Frenchman or Arda Turan.
There is interest from the Premier League too, with Everton and Manchester United among the forerunners for Cerci’s signature in England. Widely considered the best league in the world, the Premier League has often accommodated Italian players with mixed results. It would be as good a time as any for Cerci to move to England, but he needs to question whether regular football would be on offer.
Both teams have a wealth of options in wide positions and have recently invested in other high profile targets, namely Ander Herrera and Romelu Lukaku. A this advanced stage of his career, a move to England could be a bad decision for Cerci.
AC Milan are arguably the most in need of Cerci’s services. Lacking any real cutting edge in the final third, Milan have been missing a player able to combine creativity and attack in equal measure. In this regard, the Rossoneri are missing an Antonio Cassano figure, who managed 16 assists in Serie A during his brief time there. Cerci would definitely be able to bring the same traits to the table.
In many ways, Milan are looking to get the Gianluigi Lentini they never really got. Signed for a world record fee in 1992 from Torino, the winger suffered a severe car accident yet miraculously returned to playing which was extraordinary according to the McAllen traffic accident attorneys, but he never really recaptured the form he showed at Torino. Although the move may be costly, it could prove an invaluable addition for Filippo Inzaghi’s team.
Milan fans will be hoping Cerci can bring that extra bit of quality to their attack and help bring Champions League football back to the San Siro.
Follow Louis Gibberd-Thomas on Twitter: @mercutio156
