The regular football season may have only just come to an end, yet the rumour mill has already gone into overdrive with numerous major European clubs tipped to be spending big this summer. And with so much cash ready to change hands across the continent, it is perhaps not surprising that most of the early speculation has centred on Porto’s star man Hulk.
Having seen the forward’s stock rise astronomically during the last couple of years it appears that the Portuguese champions, who have spent nearly €20m in acquiring 85% of the player’s rights, are now ready to cash in on their most prized asset.
While the Brazilian international, who is contracted until 2016, has a buy-out clause of €100m, Porto would apparently be willing to accept somewhere in the region of €40m. Chelsea are rumoured to have already agreed personal terms with the player, although they are reluctant to spend much more than €35m.
Should Hulk, who turns 26 in July, move to Stamford Bridge then there is a good chance that he could be reunited with former teammate Radamel Falcao, another target of the Champions League winners, with whom he struck up a scintillating partnership during Porto’s record-breaking season in 2010/2011.
However, with the London club also keeping tabs on Napoli star Edison Cavani and Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Higuaín, it appears that they will not be held to ransom over the price tag. If the two sides are unable to agree a deal there are plenty of other clubs ready to pounce. Manchester City have made no secret of their interest and money would be no object for the recently-crowned champions of England, while the player himself has openly admitted that he would love to play for either of the Spanish giants Real Madrid or Barcelona.
Since arriving in Portugal four years ago the Brazilian has scored 73 goals, during which time he has helped Porto claim ten trophies, including three league titles, three Portuguese Cups and a Europa League victory. Wherever he ends up, he will be sorely missed.
In association with Mizuno Europe, PortuGOAL brings you exclusive interviews with Hulk, in which the Brazilian superstar shares his thoughts about several aspects of his career:
Hulk talks us through his most memorable goal:
Watch his brilliant strike here:
How football has enabled Hulk to help his family:
Hulk's explanation of why football is in the blood of Brazilians:
Hulk explains why he chooses Mizuno boots:
by Tom Clee
With thanks to Mizuno Europe.
Comments (9)
Tough spot
9
Thursday, 31 May 2012 12:24
Shazer, also keep in mind that I believe Porto only owns 80% of Hulk. Any amount they get will have to be shared.
It's very tough to negotiate a transfer fee when a player has already come to terms with another club. If Porto stands firm and Chelsea balks, Hulk will not be a happy camper.
You can say that Hulk did Porto a disservice in not letting the transfer money's getting worked out first.
That being said, we would all have moved for the cash.
Not yet
8
Wednesday, 30 May 2012 00:07
Spending nearly €20m on him and selling him for €35m is not the Porto way. Porto acquire and sell a player for thrice the amount they paid for him. So, I would say if he was €20m, then they should sell him for €60m, although unlikely to happen.
Hulkamania!
7
Tuesday, 29 May 2012 20:53
With the siging of the hulk our team will be complete and unbeatable with the right players in the right positions and with good rotation with in the team.
Hulk
6
Tuesday, 29 May 2012 18:29
I think he’s gone. Porto are still going to make some good money off him but I agree that it seemed like they could have gotten more for him in the past two seasons then what he may go for this year.
At the same time he’s one of the key reasons why they won the liga the past two years and got them that EL title. So even if he goes for 35million, Porto have benefited from his services.
oh oh
5
Tuesday, 29 May 2012 18:28
If Hulk as already agreed to terms with Chelsea, as its been reported, Porto is in a tough spot.
They can not bring back a disgruntled Hulk.
It will be interesting to see what happens.
Port's off season could become very tumultuous.
Hulk
4
Tuesday, 29 May 2012 17:04
he would be a brilliant signing for chelsea
40 mil? After rejecting almost 90
3
Tuesday, 29 May 2012 15:50
At that price your better off keeping him another year. I understand you won't get that kind of offer from anyone in the major leagues but Chelsea are known to give in to large price tags, just look at Torres. Anything under 60m would be a disappointment.
Hulk in EPL
2
Tuesday, 29 May 2012 14:04
A match made in heaven. Hope he comes to Chelsea.
Hulk
1
Tuesday, 29 May 2012 13:58
You got down to work quick, a very good artical, all the best for future assignments.
Hulk edges closer to Chelsea move
The regular football season may have only just come to an end, yet the rumour mill has already gone into overdrive with numerous major European clubs tipped to be spending big this summer. And with so much cash ready to change hands across the continent, it is perhaps not surprising that most of the early speculation has centred on Porto’s star man Hulk.
It's very tough to negotiate a transfer fee when a player has already come to terms with another club. If Porto stands firm and Chelsea balks, Hulk will not be a happy camper.
You can say that Hulk did Porto a disservice in not letting the transfer money's getting worked out first.
That being said, we would all have moved for the cash.
At the same time he’s one of the key reasons why they won the liga the past two years and got them that EL title. So even if he goes for 35million, Porto have benefited from his services.
They can not bring back a disgruntled Hulk.
It will be interesting to see what happens.
Port's off season could become very tumultuous.
Joan G