The takeover by Sam Baro heralds a new era at AA Gent, which is now on a stronger financial footing thanks to the new owner. New milestones have been set in the Planet Group Arena since his arrival.
For example, in January the Buffalos paid around seven million for Momodou Sonko, who became the most expensive acquisition in club history. Just before he steps down as CEO, Michel Louwagie, who will take on a purely advisory role from next summer, wants to break another record.
Baro all-in for Mokio
It was previously announced that, at Baro’s request, he would go to extraordinary lengths to sign Jorthy Mokio. The 16-year-old top talent, who was crowned the third-youngest starting debutant ever in Belgium against STVV on Tuesday, is currently refusing to settle for a first professional contract.
However, the financially lucrative proposal from AA Gent, which is doing everything it can to keep Mokio on board, is reportedly already close to the limits. In that respect, transfer expert Sacha Tavolieri, apparently extremely well informed about the file, has now come up with some more details.
Record for Louwagie
According to him, the left leg was presented with an “immense three-year contract”, good for the largest offer for a home-grown product during Louwagie’s reign. Yet Mokio, who would be inclined to stay in Ghent, and his entourage still hesitate to agree to that deal.
Not only are several top clubs abroad such as PSV and AS Monaco pulling on his sleeve, the young defender would also ask for sporting guarantees. So we have to wait and see whether Baro, who is doing everything he can to convince Mokio, is willing to agree to that condition. To be continued, no doubt.
