Mino Raiola’s Top 5 Clients
REUTERS/Albert Gea
Mino Raiola is currently one of the most famous names in the footballing world. The Italian-born football agent represents a number of high-profile footballers.
The 48-year old must possibly be the busiest agent in the world at the moment, due to the number of high-profile transfers he is involved in.
Raiola currently represents the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimović, Mario Balotelli, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Luciano Narsingh, Marek Hamsik, Blaise Matuidi, and Romelu Lukaku. Mino also represented Pavel Nedved – the Czech superstar.
Mino Raiola has brokered a total of over €250 million in transfer deals, during the past 20 years.
We now take a look at the top 5 high-profile clients of the Italian.
- Romelu Lukaku
The Belgian forward has been involved in a number of transfers over the years, most recently being his move from London-based club Chelsea to the Merseyside club Everton.
Mino Raiola has only been representing the rising talent since 2015, and consequently, hasn’t been involved in the Belgian’s transfers. However, it seems like Lukaku is itching for a change of scenery – as his skills have greatly increased and he is willing to prove himself at a more reputable club.
Romelu Lukaku has scored a total of 28 goals in his 73 games with Everton – for which he signed for after leaving Chelsea in 2014 for an immense £28 million.
Lukaku has greatly improved his skills in the past season and is currently generating interest from a lot of high-profile clubs – including Manchester United, Manchester City, and Real Madrid.
- Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba is probably one of the most sought after footballers in the world at the moment.
The 23-year-old French midfielder, who currently plays for Italian side Juventus, has skyrocketed in value and developed his skills immensely. Paul has generated interest from Europe’s top clubs – including PSG, Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Manchester United.
It is unknown as to when exactly Raiola began representing the Frenchman, but it is certain that he will be dealing with various clubs this summer over the potential transfer of Pogba.
The Italian agent was believed to be behind the departure Paul Pogba from Manchester United to Juventus back in 2011 – a move which proved to be crucial in the Frenchman’s career.
The then Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has described his relationship with Mino as “oil and water.” But, the Frenchman could possibly be on his way back to the Red Devils.
- Mario Balotelli
Mario Balotelli has been the center of many controversies for the past years – making him repel most high profile clubs.
The Italian’s talents, however, were the most sought after during the 2007-2010 seasons – when he played for Inter Milan, under the Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho.
Mario Balotelli scored a total of 20 goals during his 59 matches for Inter, and was seen as one of the best rising talents available in the market during that time.
Mino Raiola began representing the Italian forward in 2010 – when Mario transferred from Inter Milan to Manchester City.
This marked the beginning of the Italian’s many controversial stunts – chief among which was the moment he crashed his car in England while carrying about £5,000 cash with him. When asked by police why he was carrying such a large sum of cash, the Italian replied: “Because I’m rich.”
- Henrikh Mkhitaryan
Henrikh Mkhitaryan has been one of Dortmund’s key players during the recent years – after the departure of Mario Götze and Robert Lewandowski to rival club Bayern Munich.
The Polish midfielder had recently rejected a new contract offer from Borussia Dortmund – sparking plenty of debate over his future, mainly pointing towards a move to Manchester United.
Mino recently made a statement over the Polish midfielder’s future, he said:
“We have both taken very different views and fight for them like lions. Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke walks 180 degrees into one direction and me 180 degrees into the other. But even though it does not look like it right now, I still hope for a sensible solution.
“Such an offer to join Manchester United might only come once in a lifetime for a player and nobody can guarantee us that the door will still be open for Micki next season. Manchester is Micki’s dream club, he wants to join them by any means.”
United are believed to have made a £28 million bid for Henrik’s services, with Raiola currently in talks with the Red Devils over personal terms.
Mino Raiola has been representing the Armenian since 2013, and has since seen his client move from Donetsk to Dortmund. He is now hoping to broker a deal between United and Borussia Dortmund – a deal in which Mino will reportedly earn a sizable commission.
- Zlatan Ibrahimović
Possibly the most influential player of all time, Zlatan has been the center of news ever since the beginning of his career.
The giant Swede has been most famous for his flamboyant style of scoring goals. His most famous being the sublime bicycle kick he scored against England in 2012 – subsequently winning him the FIFA Puskas Award in 2013.
Mino Raiola has been representing the Swedish forward since 2003 – a time span that has seen Zlatan move between 6 different clubs, amassing a total transfer value of over €120 million.
Zlatan’s most expensive move was when he switched to Barcelona from Inter, when Barcelona paid a total of €46 million for Zlatan’s services.
Ibrahimović made his name at Dutch club Ajax, and continued his progress when he joined Juventus and Inter. He soon became the most sought after player in the world. His stunning finishing abilities and surprising agility made him the ultimate striker.
The Swedish player recently retired from international football, after his national side crashed out of the 2016 Euros – but Zlatan is also without a club and currently a free agent.
Mino is said to be in advanced talks with Manchester United over the signing of Zlatan Ibrahimović, with the Swede keen on a move to the Barclays Premier League after he ran his contract through with Paris Saint-Germain.
Zlatan Ibrahimović’s potential move the Manchester United will see him earn a total of £200,000 a week, should the English club sign him.
