Fiorentina on ‘protection’ for Gudmundsson, close Mangala, Roque, Hummels calls | OneFootball

Fiorentina director Daniele Pradè reveals the club is ‘covered’ for Albert Gudmundsson’s trial, plus how close they came to Vitor Roque, Mats Hummels, Orel Mangala and more.

The Viola were extremely active on the transfer market this summer, revamping the squad to fit new coach Raffaele Palladino’s vision.

The biggest signing was Gudmundsson, who arrived from Genoa on loan for €8m with an option to buy that becomes an obligation under certain circumstances for €17m plus €3m in add-ons.

“That was the most difficult negotiation,” said Fiorentina director of sport Pradè during a lengthy press conference today.

“It started in January and finished a month before the transfer deadline in the summer.”

The situation got more complicated when it was confirmed Gudmundsson will stand trial in Iceland for sexual misconduct.

“This is also why it took so long and the club is 100 per cent protected. The player risks very little, but it is a move on loan with either an obligation to buy or an option. It all depends on when the verdict comes, hopefully before June 15. If not, we have a good rapport with Genoa and will try to work out different terms.”

Other close transfer calls for Fiorentina

Fiorentina also came very close to a number of players, including midfielder Mangala, who ended up joining Everton on loan from Olympique Lyonnais on deadline day.

“Roberto Goretti really wanted Mangala, but Lyon were initially not open to a move. We had then agreed personal terms with the player, but for Lyon the conditions offered by Everton were more advantageous.”

Other transfers that fell through include free agent Hummels, Venezia midfielder Tanner Tessmann, Ruben Vargas and Barcelona striker Vitor Roque.

“We couldn’t make the numbers work with Tessmann. Hummels was not ready to make a decision, the same thing happened with Bologna and other clubs, for example Real Sociedad when he reconsidered.

“Ruben Vargas has always been a favourite of ours. If Barak and Brekalo had been sold earlier, maybe we could’ve got him too.

“Vitor Roque would’ve cost €40m. He eventually went to Betis on loan from August 25, but by that stage we didn’t need him anymore.

“We really liked Martin Baturina and made an offer, but when Dinamo Zagreb got through the Champions League round, they made a different decision. We asked Ajax for Sutalo and were told he was not for sale,” concluded Pradè