Fiorentina No Longer Pursuing Caceres

Things can move quickly in the world of football. Within the space of two days, word on the purple grape vine has gone from Fiorentina being heavily linked to ex-Juventus defender Martin Caceres, to the Uruguayan international having failed a medical, to Director of Football Pantaleo Corvino denying he ever had any interest in the player.

Comfortable playing anywhere across the back line, Caceres’ speed, aggression, and discipline have led to a succesful career covering for some of the best defenders of the 21st Century, and collecting an impressive set of silverware along the way, though his injury history and the emergence of Daniele Rugani led to him being deemed surplus to requirements in Turin at the end of last season. If he’d have been able to stay fit, and that is a big if, he likely would’ve made a valuable addition to a Viola squad that is looking increasingly likely to go into next season with a dearth of talent across the backline.

Caceres has been without a club since the Summer, and earlier this month saw a move to Turkish outfit Trabzonspor fall through after he failed a medical. With Fiorentina now officially out of the running, Premier League side Crystal Palace - whose boss Sam Allardyce has publicly expressed an interest in bringing the Uruguayan to London - now appear to be the frontrunners for the well-decorated defender.

Fiorentina’s activity in the mercato though seems to have come to a close, with Corvino stating that he expects nothing but a few minor exits before the window closes.

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