Fiorentina’s recent struggles have highlighted a need for physical strength in their midfield, as acknowledged by manager Raffaele Palladino before the match against Torino. Despite having technically gifted players like Cataldi, Adli, Richardson, and Mandragora, the team has lacked solidity since losing Edoardo Bove to injury. This void has contributed to Fiorentina’s winless streak dating back to December 8.
Calciomercato report that the arrival of Folorunsho from Napoli has added some aggression and energy, but it’s clear that more is needed. With Cataldi not at full fitness due to ongoing physical issues, Fiorentina is actively seeking market opportunities to bolster Palladino’s midfield options.
With just 10 days left in the transfer window, sporting directors Pradè and Goretti are exploring a couple of specific options. One target is Cher Ndour, a young talent from PSG currently on loan at Besiktas. Born in Italy and already part of the Italian youth national teams, Ndour is described by those who know him well as a “little Pogba.” However, there’s a gap between PSG’s asking price of around 8 million euros plus a significant sell-on clause, and Fiorentina’s offer of about 5 million. While this difference isn’t insurmountable, negotiations seem to be at a standstill.
Another name that continues to surface is Bryan Cristante. Discussions have taken place regarding the possibility of his move to Florence, but this option currently faces significant hurdles. Cristante’s substantial salary (3 million euros per year) is considered above Fiorentina’s budget. However, there’s cautious optimism at Viola Park that this deal could potentially materialize in the final hours of the transfer window, if the financial gap between demand and offer can be bridged.
