Lecce sign Sottil and confirm Krstovic ‘asked to make next step’ in career | OneFootball

Lecce officially signed Riccardo Sottil on loan from Fiorentina and President Saverio Sticchi Damiani confirms Nikola Krstovic ‘asked to make the next step in his career.’

The Salentini completed the transfer for winger Sottil, who had spent the last six months on loan at Milan.

This is another dry loan, meaning there is no option to make it permanent, at a cost of €500,000 to Fiorentina.

“We had been working on Sottil for quite a few days and these things take time, especially when there is a lot of attention on the players,” President Sticchi Damiani told Tuttomercatoweb.

“Sottil is highly motivated and wants to show what he can do. The coach knows him well and that will help too.”

Sottil new for Lecce, but Krstovic eager to move on

Riccardo Sottil completes loan move from Fiorentina to Lecce (@officialuslecce)

While he is a new arrival, Lecce are busy fielding offers for strikers Santiago Pierotti and Krstovic.

The latter, in particular, is reportedly of interest to Roma, Milan, Atalanta, and Leeds United.

“Krstovic asked us for the chance to make the next step in his career. If the situation is right for all concerned, then Krstovic can leave, otherwise we are happy to keep him.

“This is a different situation to Pierotti, who I read is attractive to various clubs, but has not asked us to be released.”

Krstovic is 25 years old and was purchased from Dunajska Streda in 2023 for €4.4m including add-ons.

He flourished last season with 11 goals and five assists in 37 Serie A appearances for Lecce, which is why he is now eyeing a new move.