Get Newsletter
Notification products, updates
×
×
Notification products, updates
September 7, 2024
ACF Fiorentina has confirmed the transfer of attacking midfielder Antonín Barák and versatile winger Josip Brekalo to Turkish side Kasimpasa Spor Kulubu for the 2024-25 season. The decision to loan the duo comes as a part of new coach Raffaele Palladino’s tactical revamp following the tenure of his predecessor, Vincenzo Italiano. Both players will seek new opportunities and more playing time in the Turkish league.
Barák, who will turn 30 this December, was the first to complete his move to Kasimpasa. Fiorentina and Kasimpasa have reportedly agreed on a loan deal with an option to buy Barák for a fee of €6 million. The Czech international, who initially impressed during his first season with Fiorentina, had a successful stint at the club, scoring five goals in the Conference League final run. However, Barák faced a significant setback in his career when he was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia in the summer, which, fortunately, he managed to recover from. Despite his eventual return to the field, Barak encountered significant challenges in fully recapturing his pre-illness fitness levels and form.
Josip Brekalo, on the other hand, spent six months on loan at Hajduk Split before returning to Italy, only to find it challenging to break into Fiorentina’s starting lineup. Eager for regular playing time, Brekalo has also opted to join Kasimpasa on loan with the option of buying for a reported fee of approximately €3 million.
As both players embark on their new journey in Turkey, Fiorentina continues to reshape its squad under Palladino’s direction. With several attacking reinforcements acquired in the transfer market, the club aims to build a team that fits Palladino’s vision and tactics, ultimately seeking improvement and success in the upcoming season.
As Fiorentina continues its squad overhaul under coach Raffaele Palladino, two additional players are on the periphery: Abdelhamid Sabiri and Oliver Christensen. With both players struggling to make an impact in Florence, they have begun searching for new clubs as they seek greener pastures to revitalize their careers.
Abdelhamid Sabiri, a Moroccan international, has been tumultuous since joining Fiorentina in 2022. Arriving from Sampdoria, the 26-year-old attacking midfielder failed to impress then-coach Vincenzo Italiano, which led to a loan stint in Germany. Despite a recall to the Moroccan national team, Sabiri has struggled to break into Palladino’s plans and is now searching for a fresh start at a new club.
Similarly, Danish goalkeeper Oliver Christensen has found limited opportunities in the Fiorentina squad. Competing with the experienced Salvatore Sirigu and talented young Alban Lafont, Christensen has found himself as the odd man. With his contract expiring in June 2025, Fiorentina may cash in on the 24-year-old shot-stopper, allowing him to establish himself as a starter elsewhere.
As Sabiri and Christensen explore potential moves, Fiorentina will continue to refine its squad, focusing on players who fit Palladino’s tactical blueprint. With several new additions already bolstering the team, the Italian side aims to make strides in the 2024-25 season, relying on a blend of experience, youth, and tactical cohesion to propel the club forward.
Recent reports indicate that Christian Pulisic may find himself starting on the bench upon his return from international duty with the United States. Manager Paulo Fonseca reportedly decided to ensure that Pulisic is in peak physical condition for the upcoming crucial matches against Liverpool and Inter next week.
Pulisic’s potential benching indicates a strategic approach by Fonseca to balance the talented winger’s playing time and prioritize his availability for the most pivotal games. This decision underscores the importance of maintaining the fitness and performance levels of star players like Pulisic, especially during periods of high-stakes competition.
A demanding schedule and a grueling 16,000 km journey back from the United States have led La Gazzetta dello Sport to speculate that the USMNT star might be relegated to Christian Pulisic, fresh off his international duties with the USMNT, is expected to start on the bench during AC Milan’s upcoming match against Venezia next Saturday. Pulisic is expected to participate and possibly start in the forthcoming friendlies against Canada and New Zealand, scheduled for Saturday and Monday night, respectively. Following these matches, he will undertake the arduous trip back to Italy before the Venezia game next week.
This scenario bears a striking resemblance to a similar situation that occurred around this time last year. Milan faced Inter immediately after the season’s first international break and suffered a crushing 5-1 defeat. Christian Pulisic delivered an uncharacteristically lackluster performance during his debut season with AC Milan. With Milan’s upcoming clash against Venezia set to commence just 48 hours after Pulisic’s return from his US trip, fatigue will likely play a significant role. As a result, the coaching staff may give the talented winger a well-deserved rest, ensuring he’s in peak condition for the team’s first Champions League match against Liverpool at San Siro on Tuesday.
Give your favorite player a boost! Visit our site to show how much you believe in them.
Latest Football News | French Ligue 1 | French Ligue 1 News | Bundesliga | English Premier League | Italian Serie A | La Liga | Portuguese Primieira Liga
Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and cricket sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Latest Football News, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for cricket, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.
Stay Tuned With Updates