Como Transfer Market: Two Alternatives to the Moise Kean Dream
Como continues to plan for a season that promises to be historic, with the goal of being ready for both the league and its Champions League debut. The front office’s priority remains strengthening the offense, where Moise Kean has long been the dream target. The Italian national team forward is reportedly attracted by the chance to compete in Europe’s top tournament, but Fiorentina does not seem willing to let him go and continues to reject Como’s attempts to sign him. The Viola’s stance, at least for the moment, leaves no room for concrete hope.
It should not be forgotten, however, that in the preceding weeks, Fiorentina’s position had appeared anything but set in stone. In mid-June, sporting director Fabio Paratici had fueled speculation with remarks that were anything but definitive: “Kean is an asset to Fiorentina just as he is to Italian soccer, but only five or six clubs in the world can afford not to hold onto their players in the event of significant offers.” These statements immediately reignited interest from other suitors, ranging from Simone Inzaghi’s Al-Hilal—which had already pursued Kean during the winter transfer window—to Newcastle, which is seeking an attacking reinforcement after a disappointing season in the Premier League.
At the same time, Como is also keeping other options open. Among the players being monitored are Irishman Troy Parrott and Benfica striker Franjo Ivanovic, both considered viable alternatives should the pursuit of Kean not come to fruition. The feeling, however, is that patience will still be needed for the new No. 9. The attacking signing could, in fact, only materialize in the final stages of the summer transfer window, when various situations will be more defined and opportunities may increase.
As for Ivanovic, it’s worth noting that the Benfica center forward has also caught the eye of Gennaro Gattuso’s Lazio, which is also on the hunt for a new striker. The Biancocelesti, whose top priority is Milan’s Santiago Giménez but who are facing financial demands they consider excessive, are evaluating several alternative options, including the Croatian forward. Competition for the Portuguese striker is therefore likely to intensify in the coming weeks, with Como and Lazio potentially set to go head-to-head for the same target.
Another factor making Kean particularly attractive is the issue of UEFA registration lists: with the Champions League on the horizon, Como needs players trained in Italy, and the Vercelli striker—with 26 appearances and 13 goals for the national team—represented a nearly perfect solution.
