Matteo Prati, new Racing de Santander midfielder: Gustavo Puerta's replacement?

Real Racing Club Santander

Who is Matteo Prati?

Matteo Prati, born in Ravenna on December 28, 2003, is a 1.85-meter midfielder who can mainly play as a holding midfielder, although he also has the ability to operate as an inside midfielder.

Trained in the youth ranks of Cesena, he later moved to Ravenna, where he began to stand out in professional football. His performances earned him a step up to the SPAL and, later, the Cagliari, club that backed him in 2023.

Prati has already made his debut in Serie A and has experience at the top level of Italian football. Last season he also had a loan spell at the Torino, although the Turin club ultimately did not take up the purchase option.

What kind of player is he?

According to El Rincón Racinguista, Prati is a particularly interesting player for the profile he can bring to the Racing's midfield.

He is a player who stands out for his ability to occupy the holding midfielder role, provide a clean ball outlet, and help maintain the team's balance.

His 1.85 meters in height can also give him a leading role in aerial duels and set-piece actions.

He does not seem like a midfielder whose main impact will be through goals or assists. His possible fantasy value may be more linked to his involvement in the game, minutes, and consistency.

Will he be a starter at Racing?

This will be one of the main unknowns once his arrival is officially confirmed.

The Racing needs alternatives in midfield, and Prati arrives with experience in top-level Italian football, so he comes with arguments to fight for an important spot in the plans of José Alberto López.

Moreover, the club's interest goes back some time. Chema Aragón had already kept tabs on the player during his time in Italy's youth categories, as well as his participation in the 2023 Under-20 World Cup, where Italy reached the final.

So, it does not look like an addition made simply to round out the squad.

Fantasy verdict

Interest: 🟡 Medium/high

Starting spot: To be confirmed

Position: Central midfielder / inside midfielder

Potential: Interesting if he manages to secure a regular place

Recommendation: Sign him if his initial price is low and keep a close eye on his progress.

The arrival of Matteo Prati could be one of the most interesting deals for the Racing in this final stretch of the transfer window. Now we will have to check whether the Italian manages to bring to Spanish football the good conditions that led him to make his Serie A debut and become an international with Italy's youth teams.

From Comuniate, we will keep a close watch on his situation, especially his price, position, and role in the plans of José Alberto.