​Torino’s newly appointed coach Ignazio Abate was introduced at a press conference today, where sporting director Gianluca Petrachi offered a slate of transfer updates and clarified the club’s plans for the upcoming seasons. With questions swirling around Ché Adams, the Scotland international forward who has drawn interest from several clubs, Petrachi emphasized that a personal discussion is on the horizon. Adams, who is currently enjoying his holiday, will return to Turin and sit down with the Torino leadership to map out his future at the club. Petrachi noted that Adams had already shown openness to staying when the January window opened, yet stressed that the summer would be the right moment to revisit the matter and formalize any decisions.
Adams, 29, is nearing the end of his contract with Torino, having spent his second season with the club after signing on a free transfer from Sunderland in 2024. Although the possibility of Adams leaving Torino remains on the table, the club appears focused on safeguarding its long-term attacking options. In this vein, Torino announced a notable contractual development in another area of the squad: Duvan Zapata has extended his stay by signing a new deal, albeit with a reduced salary. This pay-cut arrangement was part of a broader effort to secure continuity and stability within the squad, and Petrachi highlighted Zapata’s leadership qualities and influence within the dressing room.
“Zapata has proven to be a silent leader; he doesn’t vocalize much, but his impact is meaningful,” Petrachi said. “He’s demonstrated a willingness to sacrifice financially, spreading his salary to help the club. The Zapata we saw in January can give us a lot.” Petrachi’s comments underscore the club’s appreciation for Zapata’s contributions and his potential to continue delivering on the pitch as Torino navigates a busy transfer landscape.
Beyond Zapata, Petrachi conveyed confidence that the club will retain both Giovanni Simeone and Nikola Vlasic for the 2026-27 campaign. Simeone, the Argentine forward who had previously pushed for a move to River Plate, remains an integral figure for Torino, but his career choices have occasionally raised questions about his future. Petrachi attempted to offer a balanced explanation for the situation, acknowledging that players sometimes feel the pull of home or long for family considerations. He emphasized that, at this moment, it isn’t the right time for Simeone to return to Argentina. He stressed that the club has made it clear to Simeone that the door is not closed but that the timing must align with both the player’s personal and professional readiness.
“There was a moment when he wanted to go back home, but there are times when a footballer is tired and thinks about his family; everyone has weaknesses,” Petrachi noted. “We helped him understand that now isn’t the moment to depart, and he has understood and recommitted. Abate had a 30-minute conversation with him, and he returned to training with grit.” Petrachi also reported that the coaching staff and the director have reinforced the same message with Vlasic, urging him to remain with Torino. “I also asked Vlasic to stay,” he added, describing the Croatian winger as “a player worthy of Toro” and professing an affection for him on footballing terms.
As the new season approaches, Torino appears intent on maintaining a stable core while exploring strategic reinforcements where needed. The club’s approach under Abate — a former defender with leadership experience and intimate knowledge of the club’s culture — reflects a blend of pragmatism and ambition. The decision to secure Zapata on a longer deal, even with a salary adjustment, signals Torino’s willingness to reward performance and leadership while preserving financial flexibility for the transfer market.
Looking ahead, fans will be keenly watching how Adams’ future unfolds, given the interest from other clubs and Torino’s desire to keep him in Turin beyond the current contract. The upcoming conversations between Adams and the club will likely shape the attack’s composition for the 2026-27 season, with the possibility that the front line could feature a mix of proven scorers and developing talent. Similarly, Simeone’s and Vlasic’s continued presence will play a crucial role in determining Torino’s offensive strategies, given their experience, versatility, and chemistry with teammates.
Petrachi’s press conference offered a clear message: Torino intends to protect its core players while remaining open to sensible departures and smart additions. The club’s stance on Adams, Simeone, Vlasic, and Zapata demonstrates a coordinated plan that balances the club’s immediate competitive needs with longer-term stability. Abate’s leadership, combined with Petrachi’s strategic oversight, suggests that Torino is determined to build a cohesive, resilient squad capable of challenging for European qualification in the near future while continuing to develop young talents and maintain a strong club ethos.