Interest in Muriqi, Mallorca “sets” the price for the “Pirate”

He did not score on Tuesday, but Vedat Muriqi continues to be much talked about in Spain.

After being linked with a possible move to Barcelona, Muriqi became a topic in Turkey on Tuesday. It is Turkish giant Fenerbahçe that has expressed interest in securing the services of the Kosovan. In fact, various Turkish media outlets have written that Fenerbahçe has already reached an agreement in principle with Muriqi. And, according to reports, all that remains for his return to the Istanbul club is an agreement between Fenerbahçe and Mallorca.

The deal, however, will not be easy.

“Ultima Hora”, a media outlet close to Mallorca, has written that the minimum price for Muriqi is 30 million euros.

Muriqi’s agent, Utku Cenikli, was at the “Son Moix” stadium for Mallorca’s match against Valencia. He does not usually attend Mallorca’s matches at the stadium, but appeared at a time when talk of the “Pirate” leaving the island is growing.

“His visit to Spain does not appear to be a coincidence, as it comes at a time when his client is being linked with major clubs, with Barcelona one of the teams to have expressed interest in the player’s contract and a possible transfer fee,” Ultima Hora wrote.

Muriqi has scored 21 goals in La Liga this season and is breaking Mallorca’s records.

“However, a possible departure will not be easy – the minimum price has been set at 30 million euros,” the Spanish outlet wrote.

Mallorca currently wants to keep the striker. A transfer for Muriqi would be complicated, as Lazio is entitled to a considerable percentage of the net profit from any future sale. According to “Ultima Hora”, the figure is 45 percent.

“In other words, if Mallorca sells Muriqi for 30 million euros, it would recoup its 7.5-million-euro investment and add-ons worth more than 1 million euros. The remaining profit would then be split between Mallorca, with 55 percent, and Lazio, with 45 percent.”

Lazio is Muriqi’s former club, from which he transferred to Mallorca.

Fenerbahçe also pursued Muriqi in the winter, while the striker had left the matter in the hands of the Spanish club’s executives. And Mallorca refused to let him go.

As interest in Muriqi grows, his departure from Mallorca can only be considered for compensation of at least 30 million euros. He has three years left on his contract.

In Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Valencia, Muriqi was active but did not score. Valencia was quite focused on stopping the 31-year-old.

“They have started taking notes on him because he is one of the league’s top scorers. They are analysing his every move. We have to take advantage of that. They focused a lot on Muriqi, and we came out with other weapons. We scored another goal from a set piece,” Mallorca coach Martin Demichelis said.