Hellas Verona has officially announced the arrival of 26-year-old Cypriot attacking midfielder Grigoris Kastanos on loan from Salernitana. The deal was in the works for a while, initiated by sporting director Sean Sogliano well before the transfer window opened. However, it was delayed due to ongoing uncertainties at Salernitana.
An agreement had been in place with the player for some time, but negotiations regarding the loan terms were more complicated, particularly regarding a mandatory purchase clause linked to his number of appearances. Salernitana initially wanted around €2 million for his transfer. An agreement was eventually reached, which includes a loan swap involving Yayah Kallon, a young striker who returns to Verona after a spell at Bari.
Now, the team’s next priority is to secure an experienced central striker. Robert Bozenik from Boavista has emerged as a target following his participation in the European Championship, although his transfer fee of around €6 million could prove prohibitive. Another option could be a permanent move for Charlotte FC’s Swiderski, who previously played in Italy. There is also a need for a left-back, with Chilean Marcelo Morales, a promising 2003-born player from Universidad de Chile, being of interest. However, the price remains a sticking point, as Verona hopes to negotiate well below the Chilean club’s minimum request of one million.
Tommaso Barbieri, who enjoyed a solid loan season at Pisa where he made 31 appearances and scored three goals, is also eyeing a move to Serie A with Venezia looking to acquire him. Meanwhile, Polish midfielder Szymon Żurkowski, who is currently dealing with an injury, is a subject of interest for Empoli. He previously played for them between 2020 and 2022 and might return as negotiations take place with Spezia.
The club also has eyes on Duncan McGuire, a 23-year-old striker from Orlando City, as a backup for Krstovic. McGuire is currently with the US national team for the Olympics.
Additionally, Emil Audero has been confirmed as Como’s new goalkeeper after his transfer from Sampdoria, who he played for on loan at Inter last season. Cesc Fabregas praised the signing, highlighting Audero’s significant experience in Italy.
In Bologna, there’s a defensive emergency with only one starter available, leading to interest in Mario Hermoso from Atletico Madrid. Bologna is considering several options, including Hermoso, Mats Hummels, and Bijol, as they seek an urgent defensive solution. Hummels has been spotted having fun playing ‘American football’ with friends, which contrasts with Bologna waiting for his decision regarding a potential move after scheduled medicals were not completed.
Finally, the name of Josip Brekalo has appeared on Parma’s radar. The 26-year-old Croatian has recently returned to Fiorentina from a loan at Hajduk Split and participated in a friendly against Hull City, catching the eye of Parma’s management as they look to bolster their attack.