In August 2018, Chelsea were just hours away from signing Andrea Belotti.
The striker had just scored 28 goals for Torino the previous season and was attracting attention from many other top European clubs. A move to Stamford Bridge fell through, though.
He has remained at Torino ever since, but called time on his seven-year stay this summer and is now a free agent after scoring 43 goals in the past three seasons. The 28-year-old was ruled out for two months over the winter with injury but returned to net six times in 13 Serie A matches.
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Belotti ended his Torino scoring account in style, netting a hat-trick against Empoli in May after coming on as a substitute for the final 19 minutes. The striker has international experience too, earning his 44th Italy cap against Hungary last month after playing in all but one of the country’s matches en route to Euro 2020 glory.
The point is, Belotti still has quality, even if this comes in sporadic periods. It’s why Erik ten Hag could do worse in looking towards the attacker as a Cristiano Ronaldo back-up at United.
Even at 28, he would not get ahead of 37-year-old Ronaldo selection-wise - but at his age, this may be the last chance for a big career move. As a result, he may be willing to cede game time in order to facilitate a move to a big hitter.
Like the Portugal captain, Belotti is a poacher. It would mean United would not need to change their shape should Ronaldo be sidelined.
With Italy failing to qualify for Qatar, he would be a fresh asset to call upon post-World Cup, too. Finance-wise, Belotti would cost nothing to bring in.
He’s unlikely to demand huge wages either. He’d be a worthwhile bet given his goal ratio in his homeland.
The attacker netted 113 times in 251 matches for Torino - close to one every other game. The Premier League is a different beast, of course, but his physique suggests he may be able to cope.
He may not be first on the list, but Belotti might be a cost-free gamble in the same ilk Edinson Cavani was, only younger.
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