Empoli are on the verge of bolstering their midfield with a familiar face as they navigate through an injury crisis. The Tuscan club, reeling from a 2-0 defeat against Milan and grappling with the absences of key players like Tino Anjorin, Jacopo Fazzini, Nicolas Haas, and Ola Solbakken, has turned to the free agent market for a solution.
Calciomercato report that Viktor Kovalenko, the 28-year-old Ukrainian midfielder, is poised to make his return to Empoli. The club has reportedly finalized negotiations to bring back Kovalenko, who has been without a team since last summer when his contract with Atalanta expired.
This move marks a homecoming for Kovalenko, who previously donned the Empoli shirt in the 2023-2024 season. During his last stint with the club, he made a notable impact, scoring 2 goals and providing 1 assist in 17 Serie A appearances.
Kovalenko’s experience in Italian football is substantial, with 62 appearances in the top flight under his belt, contributing 3 goals and 6 assists throughout his career. His familiarity with the league and the club makes him an ideal candidate to provide immediate support to Roberto D’Aversa’s squad.
The signing of Kovalenko is expected to be officially announced soon, offering Empoli a timely boost as they look to strengthen their position in Serie A. His return could prove crucial in addressing the team’s current midfield shortage and injecting some much-needed creativity and experience into the lineup.
