Viola Nation - Fiorentina transfer news: Summer 2019A Fiorentina blog for Viola fanshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50059/viola-fav.png2019-09-04T18:54:06+02:00http://www.violanation.com/rss/stream/184068132019-09-04T18:54:06+02:002019-09-04T18:54:06+02:00Learn a bit more about Bobby Duncan from Mark Kastner of the Liverpool Offside
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<img alt="Liverpool v Olympique Lyonnais - Pre-Season Friendly" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/EAQ7dVr8sEJKP6vW0wpmeTVlmdw=/0x0:2704x1803/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65171241/1165388885.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>As if a thousand Italian barbers cried out in fear, then were silenced. | Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The new Viola forward is a tantalizing prospect and just needs to keep his composure to assure himself of a solid Viola career.</p> <p id="NFnIWx">This is as good a time as any to admit that, as a <a href="https://www.violanation.com/">Fiorentina</a> blog, we don’t have a lot of folks on staff who watch a lot of <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> reserve matches. Therefore, none of us are particularly qualified to write about new signing Bobby Duncan, who’s never appeared with the first team. Fortunately, we tracked down <a href="https://twitter.com/mkstnr">Mark Kastner</a> of the <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool Offside</a> (and <a href="https://www.sounderatheart.com/">Sounder at Heart</a>) to shed some light on what we can expect from the teenaged striker.</p>
<aside id="gjABXs"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"OFFICIAL: Fiorentina sign Bobby Duncan","url":"https://www.violanation.com/fiorentina-transfer-rumors-news-reports/2019/9/2/20844474/official-fiorentina-bobby-duncan-liverpool-transfer-buy-sell-agent"}]}'></div></aside><p id="6LaCuP"><strong>Viola Nation</strong>: Given the, um, untraditional exit that Bobby Duncan took from Liverpool, what are the feelings around this move for the Reds? Are people disappointed, relieved, indifferent, or some combination of all three?</p>
<p id="ycKb6U"><strong>Mark Kastner</strong>: I think most Liverpool fans are a bit disappointed with how things ended with Duncan, with the caveat of their disappointment being directed towards Duncan’s agent instead of towards Duncan himself. His agent made a fool of himself and that sort of sealed Duncan’s exit from the club. So, once the situation became what it became, most people are relieved with getting a solid fee and sell on clause for a player who was no where near the first team. </p>
<p id="IsRiuv"><strong>VN</strong>: What kind of player is Duncan? From the highlight videos on YouTube, he seems like a quick poacher with excellent finishing ability and a knack for finding space in behind the defense and in the box; is that accurate, or is there more to his game?</p>
<p id="rzGY9k"><strong>MK</strong>: You’re spot on with your assessment, I think. Duncan plays a lot like an odd school number 9. He’s quick, he’s got some strength to him, and does all his business in the box. He’s much more in the mold of Robert Lewandowski than he is Roberto Firmino. I’m not saying he’s that good (he could be), but his game is very similar. He (Duncan) had formed quite the striker partnership with fellow Liverpool academy stud Paul Glatzel. You don’t see too many striker duos in the modern game, but it was pretty fun to watch those two play off each other at the reserve level. </p>
<p id="uFQMNC"><strong>VN</strong>: Having forced his way out of <a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/">Manchester City</a> and now Liverpool, exactly how angry will he be (on a scale of 1 to 10 Artur Borucs) if he winds up with the Fiorentina youth team instead of the starters? Will the fact that he’s in a new country where he presumably doesn’t speak the language help him be patient, or will he expect to be playing 90 minutes every week?</p>
<p id="1sAd8n"><strong>MK</strong>: It’s a really tough call, honestly. Liverpool took a flier on him when he forced his way out at City and on some level that backfired for the team. Like I mentioned before, I think this move has a lot more to do with his agent than it does him. For the kid’s sake, I hope he distances himself from this guy, but I don’t know if that’ll happen. </p>
<p id="Wv67El">Duncan is extremely confident. He backs himself massively. I would hope that he understands moving to a different country and a different team will mean it takes time to adjust. Not everyone can be Jadon Sancho, after all. </p>
<p id="ajIzx5">So, to answer your question directly, it’s just unknowable at this stage. I think he’s wise enough to know that he’s left his two previous clubs not on the best terms, so he can’t really afford to screw this chance up. </p>
<p id="VIb1uG"><strong>VN</strong>: Can we have Mo Salah back, please? Would also settle for Sadio Mané or Bobby Firmino. Or Xherdan Shaqiri. Or Divock Origi. Or pretty much anyone on the roster. Please?</p>
<p id="xrBBhp"><strong>VN</strong>: Can I interest you in one <span>Dejan Lovren</span> for €20m? We’ve got a few hours before the window closes as we talk…</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="QF1lcS">
<p id="RkE3Cz">Thanks, Mark, even if we opted against that Dejan Lovren suggestion.</p>
https://www.violanation.com/special-features/2019/9/4/20849374/learn-a-bit-more-about-fiorentina-bobby-duncan-from-mark-kastner-of-the-liverpool-offsideThe Tito2019-09-03T03:00:00+02:002019-09-03T03:00:00+02:00Here is every transfer Fiorentina made this summer
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/FGyfQHd9SY8FrMbPzHswVMoQxRo=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65158900/1158415635.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images for Lega Serie A</figcaption>
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<p>The window is shut and it’s time to see what we’re left with.</p> <p id="0Dq6RX">Another <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/transfer-rumors">transfer window</a> is in the books, and <a href="https://www.violanation.com/">Fiorentina</a> were as busy as you’d expect. Here’s a list of every player who arrived, left, or (in some cases) did both.</p>
<h1 id="DAPWUt">In</h1>
<p id="7GAZ3k">RB <strong>Pol Lirola</strong> (<a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/sassuolo">Sassuolo</a>): €1 million loan fee, €12 million due next year</p>
<p id="Eqp8lY">CF <strong>Pedro</strong> (Fluminense): €10.5 million</p>
<p id="G7GpNF">CM <strong>Erick Pulgar</strong> (<a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/bologna">Bologna</a>): €10 million</p>
<p id="KVgjfa">CF <strong>Bobby Duncan</strong> (Liverpool): €2 million</p>
<p id="i1TSiy">LB <strong>Aleksa Terzić</strong> (Crvena zvezda): €1.7 million</p>
<p id="vPUa2S">AM <strong>Toni Fruk</strong> (Mouscron): €1.5 million</p>
<p id="xwGadl">AM <strong>Kevin-Prince Boateng</strong> (Sassuolo): €1 million</p>
<p id="2honoW">DM <span><strong>Milan Badelj</strong></span> (<a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/lazio">Lazio</a>): €700,000 loan fee</p>
<p id="uvr2TU">CB <strong>Riccardo Baroni</strong> (Virtus Entella): €400,000</p>
<p id="QJ0BE3">LW <strong>Rachid Ghezzal</strong> (Leicester City): €300,000 loan fee</p>
<p id="vJpzg5">LB <strong>Dalbert</strong> (<a href="https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com/">Inter Milan</a>): loan</p>
<p id="lvziMz">CB <strong>Lorenzo Chiti</strong> (Aglianese): loan</p>
<p id="5rZFzw">LW <strong>Franck Ribery</strong> (Bayern Munich): free transfer</p>
<p id="IRczAw">CB <strong>Martín Cáceres</strong> (<a href="https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/">Juventus</a>): free transfer</p>
<p id="2yuYKm">RB <strong>Kevin Diks</strong> (<a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/empoli">Empoli</a>): loanee return</p>
<p id="1GLtJE">GK <strong>Pietro Terracianno</strong> (Empoli): unknown fee</p>
<p id="GO2b7Y">DM <strong>Alessandro Bianca</strong> (Pisa): unknown fee</p>
<p id="qE3qaV">DM <strong>Alessandro Lovisa</strong> (Pordenone): unknown fee</p>
<h1 id="aIBNX2">Out</h1>
<p id="bPTBVc">CB <strong>Vitor Hugo</strong> (Palmeiras): €5.5 million</p>
<p id="DzHEak">DM <strong>Christian Nørgaard</strong> (Brentford): €3.5 million</p>
<p id="9BTH41">CM <strong>Jordan Veretout</strong> (<a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com/">AS Roma</a>): €1 million loan fee</p>
<p id="lyOP9x">LB <span><strong>Cristiano Biraghi</strong></span> (Inter Milan): loan</p>
<p id="g5sPR2">CF <strong>Giovanni Simeone</strong> (<a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/cagliari">Cagliari</a>): loan</p>
<p id="38uPuj">AM <span><strong>Riccardo Saponara</strong></span> (<a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/genoa">Genoa</a>): loan</p>
<p id="XdLMoB">GK <strong>Alban Lafont</strong> (Nantes): loan</p>
<p id="Eoi5OH">LB <strong>David Hancko</strong> (Sparta Praha): loan</p>
<p id="i6hidf">CF <strong>Gabriele Gori</strong> (Arezzo): loan</p>
<p id="0n8s59">LW <strong>Rafik Zekhnini</strong> (Twente): loan</p>
<p id="AQZCT3">CB <strong>Petko Hristov</strong> (Bisceglie): loan</p>
<p id="2CaV96">LW <strong>Josip Maganjić</strong> (Istra): loan</p>
<p id="fe1itf">CB <strong>Julián Illanes</strong> (Avellino): loan</p>
<p id="CUG9z6">CM <strong>Andy Bangu</strong> (Gubbio): loan</p>
<p id="BZf0If">CM <strong>Nicky Beloko</strong> (Gent): loan</p>
<p id="N53L8f">CB <strong>Riccardo Baroni</strong> (<a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/siena">Siena</a>): loan</p>
<p id="XUVkCE">CB <strong>Pierluigi Pinto</strong> (Salernitana): loan</p>
<p id="NCLPz5">RM <strong>Marco Marozzi</strong> (Virtus Francavilla): loan</p>
<p id="ad5zA3">CF <strong>Martin Graiciar</strong> (Sparta Praha): loan</p>
<p id="Zug2lX">GK <strong>Simone Ghidotti</strong> (Pergolettese): loan</p>
<p id="iVkkPA">RB <strong>Gabriele Ferrarini</strong> (Pistoiese): loan</p>
<p id="HYh4Jg">DM <strong>Michele Zinfollino</strong> (Cagliari): loan</p>
<p id="cNFlmJ">CF <strong>Salvatore Longo</strong> (Bisceglie): loan</p>
<p id="tygdLb">CM <strong>Erald Lakti</strong> (Gubbio): loan</p>
<p id="8L1YD1">RW <strong>Marco Meli</strong> (Gubbio): loan</p>
<p id="XoI4vO">RB <strong>Kevin Diks</strong> (Aarhus): loan</p>
<p id="23Z4md">CM <span><strong>Amidu Salifu</strong></span> (Al-Salmiya): Kuwait</p>
<p id="JQhUNJ">LW <strong>Simone Minelli</strong> (Teramo): free transfer</p>
<p id="WqPOHN">LW <strong>Jaime Báez</strong> (Cosenza): free transfer</p>
<p id="ImF94z">LB <strong>Luca Zanon</strong> (Pordenone): free transfer</p>
<p id="FVoVxc">RW <strong>Giuseppe Caso</strong> (Arezzo): free transfer</p>
<p id="NzKsDS">CM <strong>Lapo Torricelli</strong> (Sangiovannese): free transfer</p>
<p id="R3ZThw">RM <strong>Giovanni Nannelli</strong> (Lucchese): free transfer</p>
<p id="bDQaoF">GK <strong>Mattia Fallani</strong> (<a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/palermo">Palermo</a>): free transfer</p>
<p id="7j0bs7">CF <strong>Michele Servillo</strong> (Valdarno): free transfer</p>
<p id="PohZrj">CM <strong>Mamadou Touré Diawara</strong> (free agent): free transfer</p>
<p id="v0vryn">RB <strong>Luca Mosti</strong> (Arezzo): unknown fee</p>
<p id="y3paBL">RB <strong>Vincent Laurini</strong> (<a href="https://www.crusaderschorus.com/">Parma</a>): unknown fee</p>
<p id="f3MstZ">CB <strong>Giacomo Siniega</strong> (<a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/torino">Torino</a>): unknown fee</p>
<p id="Nvt4SF">LB <strong>Mattia Gargano</strong> (Grassina): unknown fee</p>
<p id="zIGCWA">CB <strong>Tommaso Marino</strong> (Trastevere): unknown fee</p>
<p id="DBWL0o">CB <strong>Leonardo Taddei</strong> (Fucecchio): unknown fee</p>
<h1 id="RqVvQq">Totals</h1>
<p id="19GiNu"><strong>Spent</strong>: €27.3 million</p>
<p id="khvqJF"><strong>Received</strong>: €10 million</p>
<p id="v65Usd"><strong>Net</strong>: -€17.3 million</p>
https://www.violanation.com/fiorentina-transfer-rumors-news-reports/2019/9/3/20844922/here-is-every-transfer-fiorentina-made-this-summer-loan-move-deal-buy-sell-window-mercato-2019The Tito2019-09-03T00:08:15+02:002019-09-03T00:08:15+02:00Open thread: What do you think of Fiorentina’s mercato?
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<img alt="AC Fiorentina unveil new signing Franck Ribery - Serie A" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/M09LG3De49dvoBvf0d6Qd7EYvv4=/0x344:1976x1661/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65158294/1165224238.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Matteo Ciambelli/NurPhoto via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Give us your thoughts on what the Viola did in the transfer window.</p> <p id="ECeEBH">The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/transfer-rumors">transfer window</a> is closed and, barring additions from free agents, <a href="https://www.violanation.com/">Fiorentina</a>’s team is locked in until January. It was quite a ride in Rocco Commisso’s first ever mercato, with some surprises and disappointments, so let’s have a look.</p>
<p id="y5KKur">On the plus side, the Viola held onto Federico Chiesa and Nikola Milenković, which seemed deeply unlikely in June. They made an international splash by signing Franck Ribery. The added Pol Lirola, who gives this squad its first real rightback in I don’t know how long. They brought in reinforcements at the base of midfield. They added exciting young strikers in Pedro and Bobby Duncan.</p>
<p id="qdXZTC">On the other hand, the team didn’t really make a star signing—no Rodrigo de Paul, no Raphinha, no Diego Rossi, no Sandro Tonali. It made a significant downgrade at leftback in swapping <span>Cristiano Biraghi</span> for Dalbert. It failed to unload guys like Bryan Dabo, Cyril Théréau, Valentin Eysseric, and Sebastian Cristoforo. It really seemed like after <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/udinese">Udinese</a> refused to let de Paul go, the entire plan went out the window.</p>
<p id="bwOki8">So here’s you place to chime in. What grade do you give Fiorentina for this transfer window? Who’s the best signing? The least-inspiring? The one that could be the biggest surprise? How much did the club help itself? Sound off in the comments, please, and full marks for whoever manages to best personify the typical moaning panic that we indulge in around here.</p>
https://www.violanation.com/fiorentina-transfer-rumors-news-reports/2019/9/3/20845185/open-thread-what-do-you-think-of-fiorentinas-mercato-rate-grade-opinion-poll-threadThe Tito2019-09-02T22:12:51+02:002019-09-02T22:12:51+02:00OFFICIAL: Fiorentina sign Rachid Ghezzal
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<img alt="Scunthorpe United v Leicester City - Pre-Season Friendly - Glanford Park" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OtchXR6kMKyd_yCWtJtfPnw82cs=/69x0:2099x1353/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65157798/1156014644.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Tim Goode/PA Images via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Algerian international will provide depth, but he’s definitely not the player Viola fans were hoping for.</p> <p id="7Ra7fS">In an announcement that really came out of nowhere, <a href="https://www.violanation.com/">Fiorentina</a> have <a href="https://twitter.com/SerieA/status/1168616718769512455">squeaked under the deadline</a> for the signing of winger Rachid Ghezzal. The 27-year old French-born Algerian international joins on <a href="https://twitter.com/DiMarzio/status/1168542056211517441">what we’re hearing</a> is a year-long loan with a €300,000 fee and an option to buy for another €9.7 million, with the Foxes <a href="https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2019/remi-oudins-move-to-fiorentina-fading-rachid-ghezzal-in-florence/">offering</a> to pay part of his €2.5 million salary.</p>
<p id="lgJyLT">After coming of age at the Lyon academy, Ghezzal broke out with the senior side in 2015, scoring 10 goals and adding 9 assists across 37 appearances. Playing alongside Alexandre Lacazzette and Maxwel Cornet, he terrorized defenses across Ligue 1 with his close control, dribbling, and clever passing. A move to Monaco in 2017 on a free transfer saw him stuck on the bench for much of the year behind Keita Baldé Diao, Thomas Lemar, and Rony Lopes.</p>
<p id="D46XzK">That’s when <a href="https://fosseposse.sbnation.com/">Leicester City</a> struck, shelling out €14 million for him in the hopes that he’d help offset the loss of Riyad Mahrez. That, uh, didn’t happen, and he finished the season watching from the stands. He scored once in the Premier League but was so underwhelming that our friends at <a href="https://fosseposse.sbnation.com/">Fosse Posse</a> <a href="https://fosseposse.sbnation.com/2019/5/19/18631637/leicester-city-2018-19-review-forwards-vardy-barnes-iheanacho">nearly forgot</a> he was on the team. That’s not great, Bob.</p>
<p id="IGBDYe">In fairness to Ghezzal, Ligue 1 and the EPL are very different animals, and sometimes things just don’t work out for a player at a time. Leicester will be thrilled to get him (partially) off the books for another year. It does make you a bit anxious, though, that they’re already willing to take a loss on him after just a year.</p>
<p id="hUdfTX">Capable of playing on either wing, Ghezzal’s not a burner. He’s more of a tricky wide player who likes to receive the ball to his feet before ghosting past his defender or picking a forward pass. He’s pretty good at link-up play, what with his one-touch passing and movement, but he can drift in and out of games and, outside of that 2015-2016 season, has never scored more than twice in the league. If this sounds a bit like Valentin Eysseric, well, uh, yeah.</p>
<p id="NJHXoY">It’s hard to imagine him being an upgrade over Riccardo Sottil, and even Tòfol Montiel, who’s dripping with upside, may be an improvement, to say nothing of Federico Chiesa and Franck Ribery. The best case scenario is that Daniele Pradè has found a cheap bench option in case Ribery’s injury issues rear their head and another winger is unavailable too. At worst, though, Ghezzal is redundant and never sees the pitch, or gobbles up substitute opportunities that would be better spent on younger options so Fiorentina, who aren’t competing for trophies this year, can see what they can bring.</p>
<p id="nLrujc">After hearing promises for guys like Rodrigo de Paul, Raphinha, Matteo Politano, and Diego Rossi, it’s hard not to feel let down by the arrival of Rachid Ghezzal. Let’s try to remember to judge him on his own merits, though, rather than on comparisons to other players we might have preferred. Welcome and good luck, Rachid.</p>
https://www.violanation.com/fiorentina-transfer-rumors-news-reports/2019/9/2/20844639/fiorentina-rachid-ghezzal-leicester-city-official-transfer-buy-sell-loanThe Tito2019-09-02T20:12:38+02:002019-09-02T20:12:38+02:00OFFICIAL: Fiorentina sign Bobby Duncan
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<img alt="Liverpool Premier League Squad Headshots" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kElBKi-N_yheWYTlIdtRiJLKrlI=/0x147:3069x2193/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65157367/1166255712.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Pool prospect has plenty of talent but isn’t likely to feature much for the senior team this year.</p> <p id="7tzRPv">After seeing a previous bid rejected, <a href="https://www.violanation.com/">Fiorentina</a> have convinced <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> to <a href="http://it.violachannel.tv/vc13-dettaglio-breaking/items/id-02-09-2019_20-01-28_la-fiorentina-acquista-duncan.html">sell striker Bobby Duncan for €2 million</a>, bringing an end to a rather operatic transfer saga. The 18-year-old will likely spend most of his time suiting up for the Primavera this year, but a 3-year contract means that Daniele Pradè probably expects him to break into the first team by next year. Duncan will be just the second English player in Viola history, after <span>Micah Richards</span> spent the 2014-2015 season on loan.</p>
<p id="9zPL1B">This will be Duncan’s third club in three years, as he forced a move from <a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/">Manchester City</a> ahead of last year in hopes of finding more playing time. While he was prolific in the reserve league for the Reds, notching 25 goals and 8 assists across 36 appearances in all competitions, he never seemed to surpass other prospects like Rhian Brewster in the hierarchy and thus opted to move again.</p>
<p id="dwaJGU">His agent Saif Rubie hit out at Liverpool last week, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/aug/28/liverpool-bobby-duncan-deny-mentally-bullying-agent">accusing</a> the Merseysiders of bullying his client, and apparently irritated Jürgen Klopp and company so much that they <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/sep/02/liverpool-accept-fiorentina-offer-bobby-duncan-bullying-claim">refused</a> to deal with him; Duncan has since sacked Rubie, allowing his agency to negotiate the move to Florence.</p>
<p id="35tzQV">If that all sounds like a lot of trouble, we can hope that, with Rubie out of the picture, Duncan will settle in quietly with the Primavera and spend a year acclimating to life in Italy. For Emiliano Bigica, he should be a good replacement for Dušan Vlahović, as the English U18 international is probably a step up from Nino Kukovec.</p>
<p id="vtIEVA">Duncan could well be worth all the trouble, as he’s got the makings of a very good player.He has decent pace and, for his height (176 cm/5’10), a low center of gravity that lets him quickly change direction and hold off defenders more effectively than his build would have you think. He’s decent on the ball, capable of getting by his man and occasionally finding a good pass, but he is, first and foremost, a finisher with a knack for finding space in the box and putting the ball in the back of the net, whether that be from crosses, through balls, or just generally poking his foot out in a scramble and getting the ball where it needs to go.</p>
<p id="hZIPLi">Again, it’s unlikely that he’ll make an impact this season with the senior side: he’s 18 and moving to a new country with a new language and a very different style of soccer than what he’s known. However, we think that he could wind up being a very good player for Fiorentina down the road, and will definitely be keeping an eye on him.</p>
https://www.violanation.com/fiorentina-transfer-rumors-news-reports/2019/9/2/20844474/official-fiorentina-bobby-duncan-liverpool-transfer-buy-sell-agentThe Tito2019-09-02T17:07:16+02:002019-09-02T17:07:16+02:00OFFICIAL: Fiorentina sign Pedro from Fluminense
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<img alt="Brazilian Football League Serie A - Brasileirao Assai 2019" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/FebrCjsbUTocz2gabZ9gPevDRqY=/0x301:3123x2383/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65156634/1160975807.jpg.0.jpg" />
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<p>Campeonato Brasileiro’s “Young Player of the Year” hops off his jet and into Montella’s… first team?</p> <p id="rfgPcA">Gianluca Di Marzio <a href="https://gianlucadimarzio.com/it/fiorentina-si-avvicina-raphinha-piacciono-anche-pedro-e-kanneman">first started reporting</a> on the links to 22 year old Brazilian striker Pedro last Thursday; today, the Fluminense player <a href="http://it.violachannel.tv/vc13-dettaglio-breaking/items/id-02-09-2019_16-52-12_pedro-e-viola.html">completed the transfer</a> reportedly <a href="https://www.football-italia.net/143661/done-deal-fiorentina-vote-pedro">worth</a> €14 million plus 20% of any future fee. With Giovanni Simeone completing a late move to <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/cagliari">Cagliari</a>, Pedro, at the very least, will offer a useful attacking option to Montella. However, given the team’s current gaping hole at striker, <a href="https://www.violanation.com/">Fiorentina</a> might be hoping Pedro make the role his own. </p>
<p id="H92PVQ">Anyway, I’ve done some research. Here’s my FAQ on the guy.</p>
<p id="ip63mG"><em>Who is he again?</em></p>
<p id="JjFCiK">He plays striker. He’s 22 years old; born and raised in Rio De Janeiro; 6’1. He likes his right foot more than his left. His name is Pedro. His last name doesn’t seem to matter.</p>
<p id="PCmQB1"><em>Is he any good?</em></p>
<p id="a6J2nq">This is a complicated question, but most signs point to <em>yes. </em>He’s incredibly athletic, strong enough to push off defenders, and full of little tricks. This season at Fluminense, he’s scored five goals in ten matches. Last season, impressively, he was named “Young Player of the Year.” His agent claims they had an agreement with European giants <a href="https://www.managingmadrid.com/">Real Madrid</a> while he was topping the Brazilian scoring charts last August.</p>
<p id="8BR809"><em>Well, what happened to Real Madrid?</em></p>
<p id="9g2sr6">When Pedro was 19 appearances and 10 goals into his breakout season – at the height of his career – he tears his ACL and sits on the bench for 7 months. With bigger clubs hesitant, La Viola swoop in and sign the hot prospect for a bargain price.</p>
<p id="ND83M1"><em>Ok, ok. What can I expect from him?</em></p>
<p id="BjBVUY">Back in Brazil, long-time Fluminense striker Fred trained and molded young Pedro into the player he is today. Apart from the whole first name thing, Fred’s influence is evident. Watching highlights of them both, the first thing you notice is lots of <em>flair.</em> Here is a list of things that Pedro enjoys: back-heel goals, acrobatic bicycle kicks, scoring with his… chest?</p>
<p id="Du3kkq">Watch that and more below. At 2:40, he scores with his arm. Who knew that was legal!</p>
<div id="dNgDlA"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YVAqIOqVN00?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media; accelerometer; gyroscope; picture-in-picture"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="5sOg3q"><em>But can he adapt to Serie A?</em></p>
<p id="sXi9Mm">This is the million-dollar question. Given that he is only 22, has issues with injuries, and hasn’t dealt with Italian defenses, there are legitimate risks associated with the deal. But his athleticism and ability to feed passes to his teammates has me thinking that Fiorentina have a long-term solution to their goal scoring troubles. </p>
<p id="v5KqpT">The only issue is that we need goals, like, <em>now</em>.</p>
https://www.violanation.com/fiorentina-transfer-rumors-news-reports/2019/9/2/20844195/official-fiorentina-sign-pedro-from-fluminense-transfer-buy-sell-loanpoznak2019-09-02T07:00:00+02:002019-09-02T07:00:00+02:00Assessing Fiorentina’s ongoing search for a landmark signing
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<img alt="Udinese v SPAL - Serie A" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DzSGSSTAusH3c1ppAkhiy_sQ0EY=/132x0:4632x3000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65155293/1144688768.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Closing statements and shades of 2013</p> <p id="pss79D">There was a noticeable omission from <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/udinese">Udinese</a>’s starting line-up last Sunday and it wasn’t until 70 minutes of Marco Giampaolo’s first game as Head Coach for the <em>Rossoneri</em> that Rodrigo De Paul was brought on as a substitute to seal their fate;</p>
<div id="ATkXbB"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GTc-jxCG4uY?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media; accelerometer; gyroscope; picture-in-picture"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="TbLVqp">It took two minutes for the Argentinian International to deliver the assist for debutant Becao, haunting Giampaolo - whose side failed to inspire in a 1-0 defeat. De Paul, valued at €35m, would have likely been a transfer target for <a href="https://acmilan.theoffside.com/">AC Milan</a> in recent years and is equally adept as an attacking midfielder, left-winger or <em>mezzala</em>. Following their agreement with UEFA relating to Financial Fair Play breaches they have elected for a shift in transfer policy, distancing them from a potential move in the near future. The most likely destination for De Paul this summer has long been considered <a href="https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com/">Inter Milan</a>.</p>
<p id="lxV3fS">Inter have been incredibly active so far this <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/transfer-rumors">transfer window</a>, successfully regenerating their squad in the image of newly appointed Head Coach Antonio Conte, including the loan signings of Alexis Sanchez and <span>Cristiano Biraghi</span> earlier this week. With attentions being focussed on positional needs, sealing moves for a second striker in Sanchez and a left wing back in Biraghi, possibly represented an opportunity for <a href="https://www.violanation.com/">Fiorentina</a> to close in on another longstanding target. According to <a href="https://gianlucadimarzio.com/en/fiorentina-from-caceres-arrival-in-the-defense-to-the-continued-search-for-an-attacker-the-latest">Di Marzio</a> on Thursday, De Paul had become the primary target for <em>La Viola</em>’s midfield.</p>
<p id="7vYlSX">Despite featuring for a defensive Udinese side otherwise devoid of any creativity, De Paul was a stand out performer in the Serie A last season. Playing mostly as a left-winger or attacking midfielder, De Paul ended the campaign with 9 goals and 8 assists, leading them to a surprising twelth-placed finish. These performances also led to recognition from the national team - the 25 year-old recently impressed for Argentina throughout the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/copa-america">Copa America</a> in Brazil.</p>
<p id="yhGH4I">The potential move for De Paul has not proven to be straightforward however, and less than 24 hours after Di Marzio’s report, it was ruled out by Sporting Director Prade definitively - as covered in <a href="https://www.violanation.com/2019/8/31/20840788/friday-poll-do-you-believe-daniele-prade-about-rodrigo-de-paul-fiorentina-weekend-thread">Friday’s poll</a>.</p>
<p id="8aJxQq">Curiously in July 2013, Prade made the following comments regarding a signing Fiorentina would go on to make in Mario Gomez;</p>
<blockquote><p id="trJFnW">“The situation with Gomez is pretty simple. There is nothing done at this moment. He is a strong player, but he is very expensive. Fiorentina’s financial situation is stable, but we have to respect certain parameters. Those are not in place right now. We also have to follow the financial fair play regulations.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="xofSML">While there is comparatively less certainty in the statement on Mario Gomez, it is possible that negotiations for De Paul may not be over yet. </p>
<p id="IcSuNq">What is certain is that Prade has already made fine progress in rebuilding the Fiorentina midfield, however if <span>Marco Benassi</span> is not considered by <span>Vincenzo Montella</span> as a first-choice option, then a more creative mind will be required to complement the combative abilities of Erick Pulgar and <span>Milan Badelj</span>. </p>
<p id="trFaCs">De Paul would be an inspired choice to complete the midfield three. Not only this, if Federico Chiesa is expected to depart next summer, it would be sensible to acquire a player with the quality to have a similar impact on the wing sooner rather than later - which would explain the <a href="https://gianlucadimarzio.com/en/inter-ongoing-talks-with-fiorentina-for-politano-rebic-potential-replacement">ongoing links to Matteo Politano </a> as an alternative target yesterday.</p>
<p id="JGyAq9">Politano was one of Inter’s most consistent players last season and they have been reluctant to part ways so far this summer, despite question marks over his role in Conte’s system. Fiorentina are prepared to offer up to €30m, which represents a slight profit on the total fees paid by Inter to acquire the Italian International from <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/sassuolo">Sassuolo</a> twelve months ago and allows them to continue their pursuit of Ante Rebic - a deal that Prade will be <a href="https://www.violanation.com/fiorentina-transfer-rumors-news-reports/2018/6/30/17519908/fiorentina-ante-rebic-transfer-buy-sell-loan-eintracht-frankfurt-tottenham-hotspur-dortmund-everton">monitoring closely</a>.</p>
<p id="ncBHBO">De Paul, Politano or if nothing else, these reports are an impressive display of Fiorentina’s ambition under new owner Rocco Commisso - it is now up to Prade to decide how big of a splash <em>La Viola</em> are really willing to make.</p>
https://www.violanation.com/fiorentina-transfer-rumors-news-reports/2019/9/2/20840856/assessing-fiorentinas-ongoing-search-for-a-landmark-signing-transfer-market-de-paul-politanororydarby2019-09-01T01:00:00+02:002019-09-01T01:00:00+02:00OFFICIAL: Martín Cáceres joins Fiorentina
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<img alt="Chile v Uruguay: Group C - Copa America Brazil 2019" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/uow4zVsVnZRltaZF2GHfDNgXuaA=/0x238:3000x2238/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65150723/1158084356.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Alexandre Schneider/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The veteran Uruguayan defender should provide solid depth along the backline, provided he can stay healthy.</p> <p id="VxMPC0"><a href="https://www.violanation.com/">Fiorentina</a> added further reinforcements to the defense yesterday with the <a href="http://it.violachannel.tv/vc13-dettaglio-breaking/items/id-30-08-2019_17-18-39_caceres-e-un-nuovo-calciatore-della-fiore.html">free signing</a> of Martín Cáceres. The 32 year old Uruguayan has enjoyed a decorated career, winning silverware with <a href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona</a> and (sigh) <a href="https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/">Juventus</a>, and should be an excellent backup to every position along the backline, bringing toughness and experience.</p>
<p id="DXGTDZ">Finding a 93-time capped Uruguay international for free this late in the window usually means that something’s a little bit wonky, and in this case, it’s Cáceres’ health. While nobody questions his excellence on the pitch—pace, anticipation, strength, intelligence, fearlessness—keeping him there has proved to be difficult: he’s missed chunks of time over the past few seasons due to a variety of injuries, including a tear to his Achilles tendon in 2016.</p>
<p id="oRW171">While he may not be quite as explosive as he once was, his vast knowledge should make him a perfect depth piece. He’ll complement both Germán Pezzella and Nikola Milenković in the middle and is perfectly capable of filling in at either fullback spot as well; seeing the struggles this team has had at leftback of late, that could prove critical. He’s also been praised for his professionalism and should provide a good influence on a young team.</p>
<p id="1lQBbY">Hopefully we don’t see too much of him outside the odd appearance when the Viola are leading by 3 goals or a spot start in the Coppa Italia or against the likes of <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/lecce">Lecce</a>. If he mostly stays on the bench, it means that the Viola defense is doing fine: the youngsters have stepped up and nobody’s injured. If anyone’s counting on him to start 38 games, though, it could turn ugly.</p>
https://www.violanation.com/fiorentina-transfer-rumors-news-reports/2019/9/1/20842105/official-fiorentina-sign-martin-caceres-free-bosman-transferThe Tito