Domenico Berardi is poised to reclaim his throne as the king of the transfer market as the January window approaches. Despite a challenging 2024 marred by a severe Achilles tendon injury, Berardi has made a remarkable comeback for Sassuolo in Serie B, proving he’s a cut above the competition. His return to form has reignited interest from several top Serie A clubs, setting the stage for a potential bidding war in the coming weeks.
Calciomercato report how Berardi’s impact since his return on October 5th has been nothing short of spectacular. In just nine appearances, he has already notched three goals and an impressive nine assists. Sassuolo’s perfect winning record with Berardi on the pitch underscores his value to the team.
Sassuolo’s CEO, Giovanni Carnevali, has hinted at the possibility of a transfer, stating that the club will evaluate any offers that come their way. This openness to negotiation marks a shift from previous seasons when Sassuolo was reluctant to part with their star player.
The financial aspects of any potential deal are significant. Berardi currently earns €3 million net per year, making him the highest-paid player in Serie B. While this salary sets a baseline for negotiations, the transfer fee is where clubs might find room to maneuver. Sassuolo’s previous asking price of over €35 million has likely decreased, with the club now hoping for a valuation of at least €20 million.
Potential suitors are exploring creative transfer strategies, including loan deals with conditional purchase options and the inclusion of young, promising players as part of the package. Sassuolo’s preference for developing talent could make such offers particularly appealing.
Three top clubs have emerged as frontrunners in the race for Berardi’s signature. Fiorentina is considering him as a key addition to boost their Champions League aspirations, potentially parting ways with Ikoné in the process. Roma and Milan, both long-time admirers of Berardi, are also in the mix, eyeing him as a valuable alternative to their current attacking options. These clubs could offer intriguing counterparts in the deal, such as Zalewski, Mannini, Zeroli, or Liberali.
Juventus, while interested, appears to be a less likely destination given their recent acquisitions in Berardi’s position. However, Sporting Director Giuntoli’s admiration for the player keeps them in the conversation.
