Rising value after summer rejection
Parma rejected a €15 million bid for Mateo Pellegrino last summer, choosing instead to trust in his development. That decision already looks justified. The Argentine forward scored twice in Parma’s first Serie A win of the season against Torino, a performance that underlined both his importance to the team and his rising value.
Officials at the Tardini believe Pellegrino could be worth double the figure offered just months ago. The stance reflects not only faith in his potential but also an awareness of the growing market interest surrounding him.
Interest from Serie A and abroad
Roma are among the Italian clubs to have tracked his progress, while scouts from Atletico Madrid and Villarreal have attended recent matches. From the Premier League, Tottenham, West Ham and Nottingham Forest have all been linked, with observers present at games to watch the 23-year-old in action, according to Parma Live.
Parma’s message is clear: Pellegrino will not leave in January. The plan is to keep him until the summer, when the club expect his valuation to be higher still. His contract and current form give Parma leverage to resist approaches unless a truly exceptional offer arrives.
Comparisons with Retegui
The comparisons with Mateo Retegui are already being made. Retegui’s growth into an Italy international was accelerated by tactical coaching, and reports suggest Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini sees Pellegrino as a forward with similar potential. Whether that potential is unlocked in Serie A or abroad will depend on Parma’s resolve and the financial realities of modern football.
Parma’s long-term strategy
The shrewdness of Parma’s recruitment has also been highlighted. Pellegrino was signed for just €2 million from Velez, though the Argentine club hold 50 per cent of any future sale. Even so, the likelihood of a substantial profit is high if current form continues.
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Spurs have been crying out for a physical yet mobile striker to complement their attacking setup, and Pellegrino’s profile seems to fit the bill. His nickname, “El Tanque”, tells its own story, a forward capable of leading the line, holding the ball up and contributing goals.
Supporters will recall the struggles to replace the presence and reliability of past forwards. While Richarlison has impressed at times, there is a sense that Spurs require another option, particularly as the team adapts under Thomas frank. Pellegrino, at 23, has the upside of youth, the pedigree of Argentine development, and a goalscoring record that suggests untapped potential.
There will be caution among fans, of course. Many strikers have arrived from Serie A or La Liga and needed time to adapt to the Premier League’s pace and intensity. Yet, at €30 million or more, Pellegrino represents a risk that some believe is worth taking. Spurs fans want the club to be proactive, not reactive, and if scouts are convinced, then moves should be made before richer rivals step in.
The fact that Parma already turned down €15 million underlines the scale of investment required, but Tottenham’s faithful would see it as a statement move, signalling ambition in the market and intent to strengthen for the future.
