Sassuolo Transfer Market: Sometimes They Come Back. But the Defender Rejected by Chivu Is Taking His Time
From Inter fan favorite to unwanted player, as Cristian Chivu has decided to do without him for the Nerazzurri’s future squad. Francesco Acerbi, however, is still in demand in Serie A, because a player with his experience and skills can bring balance to the defense. They know this very well at Sassuolo, where they are awaiting his response. The free agent, born in 1988, whose name had recently been linked quite persistently with Monza, wore the black-and-green colors from 2013 to 2018, racking up nearly 160 appearances in the top flight.
His departure from Inter had been in the air for months. Following the Nerazzurri’s 21st Serie A title, the front office led by Marotta and Ausilio had planned a major overhaul of the back line, focusing on younger, more promising players. Acerbi, along with Stefan de Vrij and Matteo Darmian, thus left Pinetina on a free transfer upon the expiration of his contract, bringing to a close four seasons in which he made a decisive contribution to Inter’s trophy case, which now includes two league titles and two Coppa Italia trophies.
On the transfer front, the path leading to Sassuolo isn’t the only viable option. In recent weeks, Bologna had expressed concrete interest in the Lombard defender, as they sought a reliable center back following the collapse of the deal for Diogo Leite. The Rossoblù, who favor a free transfer, had also received the green light from head coach Domenico Tedesco. Napoli had also tested the waters through the player’s agents, only to later shift their focus to Benoit Badiashile, who is set to arrive from Chelsea.
In the first weeks of the transfer window, Torino and Genoa were also linked to him, in addition to interest from Saudi Arabia, where his former coach Simone Inzaghi is currently managing a team. Acerbi, however, has consistently reiterated his preference to remain in Serie A, convinced that he can still play a leading role at the highest level.
Sassuolo therefore remains the most likely destination, thanks to the special bond Acerbi maintains with the Emilia-Romagna club, where he spent five formative seasons before his transfer to Lazio. A return there would feel like coming full circle for a player who, at 38 years old and a 2021 European champion with the national team, has no intention of hanging up his cleats just yet.
