Fiorentina transfer news conference

[Neil@Fiorentina]

Fiorentina Fanzone

There was a news conference earlier today to update the fans on some big transfer deals

Son signs!

Yes indeed, Fiorentina have made a big statement of intent to the rest of EF2 by signing the South Korean star Son Heung-min
The side have never had a 22 rated outfield player before, and he will undoubtedly be the biggest name in the division, so much is expected of him. He used to ply his trade in Italy with Inter Milan before joining Celtic, but the move to Scotland didn't work out, the player citing the lack of managerial skills to make the best of him. Son is likely to take on main striker and penalty taking duties next week when he arrives, and it will be interesting to see how he links up with Darwin Nunez up front.

H_M_Son 29 kor 1 5 15 22 22 1 550 337 505

Phillips signs!

Also incoming from Celtic is defensive midfielder Kevin Phillips. A player who can provide quality cover for the defense, and also has the passing ability to create from deep. It was somewhat of a surprise move, as Kamara had been brought in during pre-season to fulfill a similar role, and had been performing excellently so far. What drove the move then? It is believed Kamara had his head turned this week, but a different big money swap deal, rumoured to be from Barcelona. That deal was turned down, but Kamara was unsettled.
Manager Kirby decided to enquire about Phillips during negotiations with Celtic about a striker swap, and despite initially being told he wasn't available, the Celtic manager had a change of heart, and once a cash figure to balance the double deal was agreed, Phillips become a purple!
Phillips is a definite upgrade on Kamara in terms of passing ability and tackling, and isn't too far from an uprate

K_Phillips 27 eng 1 17 20 11 26 1 658 817 895

Sarabia signs!

In a separate deal earlier in the week, Fiorentina made a move from Chelsea attacking midfielder Pablo Sarabia. It was well known that striker Martial was being touted around by the club, who were looking for an exchange for an attacking midfielder, and Martial was offered to Chelsea in the hope Sarabia might be available, as he looked a player on the edge of their first eleven. Fortunately the Chelsea boss was interested enough to commence negotiations, and with a cash adjustment to Fiorentina a deal was struck.
Whilst Sarabia wasn't in the ideal age range for a signing, his double skills made the deal worthwhile, along with the bit of cash.

P_Sarabia 30 esp 1 5 19 18 25 1 449 406 679

Jackson departs!

Much was hoped of Nicolas Jackson, the pre-season auction buy. He was young, and showed lots of promise. However a disappointing pre-season, and a first game injury for 3 weeks meant the fans never got to see if he was any good. Rumours of him being an injury prone prima-Dona have been denied by the club, but it is strange he wasn't give more of a chance. No doubt he will score a hat-trick in the final game tomorrow! The temptation to sign Son and Phillips proved too much of a draw to keep Jackson in the end.

Kamara departs!

Kamara has only re-signed for Kirby in pre-season from Sporting Lisbon, and appeared to have settled in well, being well up the passing stats table for the division. However, as stated above, he had his head turned this week by a big offer from Spain. It is believed Savic was offered for the young defensive midfielder, but turned down. It is with a slightly heavy heart a departure was agreed to Celtic, but Phillips should more the fill the Kamara sized hole in the side.

Martial departs!

A player who was never going to stay at Fiorentina due to his Manchester United links. He was the odd man out up front, and didn't have the necessary skills to adapt his position. He had been hawked around for a couple of weeks, with little interest, other than a couple of cash bids that were close to being accepted. The chance to move back to the Premier League was good enough for Martial though, as he went to Chelsea in a Sarabia plus cash deal.

It is believed that further negotiations are being held which could potentially see a new defender join the club, and possibly see young midfielder Cappis depart, though nothing has been confirmed or agreed as yet. The clubs still have decent money to try and sign or upgrade players, so more news may follow!

[Neil@Fiorentina]

FIORENTINA FANZONE

Another week, another big transfer news conference from Fiorentina (we will be making a referral to transfer addicts anonymous later)

JOVIC SIGNS!

In a shock move, Premiership champions Leeds have let their title winning striker Jovic leave the club to join lowly Fiorentina, just what is going on? The big Serbian has impressed in the big leagues, can he do it again in EFL2? hopefully.
It is believed manager Kirby approached the Leeds boss, with an offer of Son for Jovic, and after a pause, and a surprise defeat, Tim decided it was time to make changes. Good timing then perhaps. Son will obviously be a big loss, but the manager made it clear this week, he wanted to bring in a little younger lad. Son of course then went and hit a hat trick in the midweek European game!
Son received several offers, and was close to joining either Huddersfield or Benfica, but was delighted with his eventual new home.
'Jovic is just what I was hoping for, he's a good age, has better passing than Son, and is still a class above for this league'

L_Jovic 26 srb 1 6 17 21 24 1 355 334 169

ROMERO SIGNS!

In a second big transfer deal of the deal, the Argentine defender moves from Celtic to Fiorentina in a swap deal for Karsdorp and a lot of cash. The big impetus this week appears to be reducing the age of the squad, which had 3 thirty year old players playing outfield, as well as Benitez in goal. However when Romero was advertised by a Celtic side hitting the panic button, Kirby didn't think he'd be able to get him, and initially tried offer young Cresswell and cash, but Sam was not impressed. It was thought the deal had gone, but a later tentative offer of Karsdorp and cash was surprisingly accepted. Karsdorp being 30, but having impressive triple skills which Sam obviously value. Romero will hopefully be the big dog at the back leading the line.

C_Romero 26 arg 1 21 14 7 19 1 261 980 647

VICTOR AND FLORENTINO SIGN!

Who? the fans asked. Indeed not quite in the same league as the other big name signings, but still, they are much younger versions of the players who depart for them. Benfica boss Jason expressed an interest in new signing Sarabia, perhaps wanting to pair him up with the similar Suso, and given Sarabia's age, negotiations were entered into. Kirby had been interested in defender Victor too, as part of another possible deal, and suggested a two for two deal, which was quickly agreed. Departing are thirty year old's Sarabia and Semedo, and in come Victor and multiskilled midfielder Florentino. Interestingly it is rumoured Kirby made a drunken bid for Florentino earlier in the season, thinking his name was Fiorentina, the same as his club! idiot. Fiorentina will lose a little in terms of skills in the deal, but gain 13 years in age reduction. It was felt with Dembele playing well, maybe the club could do without another defined attacking midfielder, but we will see how long Florentino lasts.

J_Victor 24 bra 1 18 14 4 25 1 707 939 139

Florentino 23 por 1 14 18 10 25 1 553 657 748

So what next? The manager has said he is 'nearly satisfied' with his squad, but we know he is a transfer addict, so who is likely to be sold next week?

The clever money is on Florentino and Romero being advertised, with perhaps a younger 20 rated defender being sought, alongside a more defined attacking midfielder for Florentino, but we will see.