As the holiday season approaches, Fiorentina manager Raffaele Palladino’s letter to Santa Claus is likely filled with scribbles, erasures, and last-minute additions. While the Viola’s metaphorical Christmas tree looks more beautiful than ever this year, there are still a few presents missing underneath. Although the club’s initial priority was to find a backup for Kean, today’s wishlist is dominated by one clear request: a midfielder.
Calciomercato report that the loss of Bove, who played multiple roles for Fiorentina and helped Palladino find a unique balance in an unconventional left-sided position, has left a significant void. Sporting directors Pradè and Goretti are now searching for a player who can brilliantly combine quality and quantity in midfield.
Topping their list is Morten Frendrup, whose characteristics closely resemble those of Bove. However, with a €20 million price tag and interest from half of Serie A, securing his signature won’t be easy. Other names in the mix include Folorunsho, with discussions with Napoli potentially extending to include Biraghi, and Fazzini, who offers different attributes.
But Fiorentina’s forbidden dream lies elsewhere. The Viola management greatly admires Lorenzo Pellegrini and is monitoring his situation at Roma. The former Sassuolo player has found limited playing time under Ranieri and, despite being captain, his future seems uncertain. While Fiorentina observes and dreams, they’re well aware that Pellegrini’s high salary (€6 million net including bonuses) makes this operation nearly impossible for now.
The search for Kean’s backup remains an ongoing theme. Milan Djuric, at 34 years old, might accept this big (and perhaps final) call to compete for a Champions League spot with Fiorentina, reuniting with his mentor Palladino. Meanwhile, Pradè’s phone occasionally lights up with calls from England, as Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s impending free agency from Everton next June presents an intriguing opportunity at a potentially reasonable price.
