ROMA’S SPORTING DIRECTOR Walter Sabatini says Mehdi Benatia’s suitors must pay €61 million to sign the defender.
The 27-year-old Morocco international has been a reported target for Barcelona, Chelsea and Manchester City in recent weeks after an impressive debut season with Roma. Benatia played 37 times in all competitions as Rudi Garcia’s men finished second in Serie A and reached the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia.
And amid interest from high-profile clubs, Sabatini has slapped what would be a world-record price-tag for a defender on the former Udinese man.
“Benatia is a guy with sound principles – he didn’t want to take a step away from Roma fans or his team-mates,” Sabatini explained.
“He has been completely coherent, he’s never played for himself, always with and for the team.
Personally I think €30m is the value of Benatia’s weak foot. If Benatia’s weak foot is worth €30m then the total price would be €61m.
“Benatia is not for sale, unless someone comes to us with an offer of €61m.”
Roma confirmed on Friday that coach Rudi Garcia had agreed a new deal that will keep him under contract at the Stadio Olimpico until 2018.
With the Frenchman’s future secured, Sabtini is keen to ensure they are in the title mix-up again next season while also being able to handle UEFA Champions League football.
