FC Porto`s new tactical architect, Francesco Farioli, has reportedly zeroed in on his premier target to bolster the midfield ranks. The name echoing around the Estádio do Dragão is Kenneth Taylor, a player Farioli knows well from his tenure at Ajax.
Reports from Fabrizio Romano, a noted expert in the transfer market, indicate that the Portuguese club has already initiated contact with the Dutch giants to understand the conditions required for a potential deal.
However, this desired acquisition, as highlighted by the newspaper `O Jogo`, will be far from straightforward or inexpensive. Taylor, an international for the Netherlands, experienced a significant upturn in performance during the past season, precisely under Farioli`s guidance at the Dutch club. This resurgence hasn`t escaped notice, and while Ajax may need player sales, they are reportedly unwilling to entertain offers below the €30 million mark.
FC Porto, acutely aware of this financial demand, is banking on the existing positive relationship between Farioli and Taylor as a potential advantage in negotiations. Their proposed strategy involves structuring a deal with performance-related add-ons and potentially future sell-on percentages to slightly alleviate the upfront cash requirement demanded by Ajax. Yet, even with creative financing, any successful operation for Taylor is projected to be a substantial investment for the Dragons.
Adding another layer of complexity is the current rapport between the two clubs, which is reportedly not at its warmest point. FC Porto`s decision to wait for Farioli`s contract with Ajax to expire before officially appointing him meant the Dutch club received no financial compensation for their coach. This piece of administrative maneuvering, while fiscally beneficial for Porto, might make transfer negotiations slightly… less cordial.
In essence, Farioli`s clear desire for a familiar and trusted midfield figure is now testing FC Porto`s financial resolve and diplomatic skills in the transfer market. A high asking price from Ajax, coupled with recent history between the clubs, sets the stage for potentially protracted and certainly expensive negotiations for Kenneth Taylor. The path to bringing the Dutch midfielder to Portugal is clear, but the price tag looms large.
