Fiorentina reignite Bakayoko interest as Poku heads to Italiano's Besiktas
Quick summary
Fiorentina have reopened their pursuit of winger Bakayoko, while midfielder Poku is set to leave for Besiktas, now managed by former Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Italiano.
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Attributed to original sourceFiorentina have returned to the trail of Johan Bakayoko as they look to hand Fabio Grosso a wide forward before the transfer window shuts.
According to Firenzeviola.it , the Viola have not given up on the Leipzig winger, a target they have tracked for several weeks, after the pursuit of Ernest Poku collapsed. The Dutchman is now bound for Besiktas, where former Viola boss Vincenzo Italiano now coaches.
FLORENCE, ITALY – AUGUST 14: Head coach Fabio Grosso manager of ACF Fiorentina reacts during of the Coppa Italia match between of ACF Fiorentina and Benevento Calcio at Artemio Franchi on August 14, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images) Grosso wants a wide forward to play 4-3-3 at Fiorentina Grosso has pushed for an orthodox winger since arriving in Florence, the addition being what would allow him to line up in a 4-3-3. Market conditions and the cost of a significant attacking signing have pushed the move to the closing days, and the need looked acute after Monday’s 4-0 defeat at Roma .
Leipzig, meanwhile, are expected to announce the arrival of Christopher Nkunku from Milan in the coming hours, which could make them open to a suitable offer for Bakayoko.
VERONA, ITALY – APRIL 04: Fabio Paratici of Fiorentina looks on prior to the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on April 04, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images) Fabio Paratici is also working on departures. Dodo, Nicolo Fagioli, Marco Brescianini and Giovanni Fabbian are all considered potentially available, though no concrete offers have arrived.
Moise Kean’s future is waiting on an improved bid from Como, which could land on Wednesday, while Genoa retain an interest in Rolando Mandragora. Fiorentina want at least €10m for the midfielder, a figure the Grifone are unlikely to commit without a significant sale of their own.
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What happened
Fiorentina are reigniting their interest in signing Bakayoko, having previously been linked with the winger. The move comes as the Serie A side prepare to part ways with Poku, who is heading to Turkish Süper Lig club Besiktas. Besiktas are now coached by Vincenzo Italiano, who left Fiorentina in the summer. The double movement would reshape Fiorentina's wide options, with Poku's departure freeing up space and resources for a new attacking addition before the transfer window closes.
Chance analysis
Fiorentina's decision to revisit Bakayoko suggests they see him as the ideal profile to refresh their attack, particularly with Poku's exit to Istanbul clearing a path in the squad. The Italian connection is notable: Italiano taking Poku to Besiktas continues a trend of Serie A-linked talent flowing to Turkey, and underlines how quickly the coaching carousel reshapes player movement. For Fiorentina, securing a winger of Bakayoko's calibre would be a statement signing, though the club will need to negotiate carefully to get a deal over the line.
Fiorentina would gain a new wide attacking option but lose a midfielder to Besiktas, while Italiano gains a familiar profile in his new squad.