Kevin Danso, the Austrian center-back who failed Roma’s medical examination last summer, has reemerged as a potential target for Juventus as they look to replace the injured Bremer. Despite never having played in Serie A, Danso’s name is not unfamiliar to Italian football.
Gazzetta dello Sport report how just five months ago, Danso was on the verge of becoming a Roma player. Then-manager Daniele De Rossi had chosen him as a defensive leader before the arrivals of Hummels and Hermoso. Roma had agreed to a €24.5 million deal with Lens, and Danso had even arrived in Rome to a warm welcome from fans.
However, the transfer took a dramatic turn when Danso failed to pass the medical examinations. Lens released a statement expressing their surprise and questioning the decision, given Danso’s consistent performance record.
The issue, though never officially confirmed by Roma, was reportedly related to a cardiac anomaly that could have prevented Danso from obtaining sports clearance in Italy or would have required continuous monitoring. Roma requested more time for additional tests, but Lens, frustrated by the situation, ordered the player to return to France with the transfer window closing.
Danso expressed his confusion, stating he had never encountered such explanations after passing various medical tests, including in England. He suggested there might have been other reasons for the cancelled transfer.
Upon returning to France, Danso underwent a month of comprehensive medical examinations. On October 4th, Lens announced positive news: “A complete invasive electrical study of Kevin’s heart revealed no cardiac muscle scarring or electrical abnormalities that could lead to or support the development of dangerous arrhythmias. Based on the available data, we consider him fit to play competitive football.”
Since October 19th, Danso has played nine consecutive full matches without issues. Now, as Juventus expresses interest, there is ample time for thorough medical examinations, hopefully without any surprises this time.
