Fiorentina full-back Michael Kayode
Fiorentina full-back Michael Kayode
Aston Villa were linked with a move for Fiorentina right-back Michael Kayode last summer, but they could face more competition for his signature if they rekindle their interest after he won the Italian Golden Boy award this week.
Kayode was said to have a £17m price tag in the summer after enjoying a breakthrough campaign with La Viola. He made 26 Serie A appearances, starting 22 matches as Fiorentina finished in eighth position.
For the second year running, Fiorentina lost the Europa Conference League final, but Dodo's experience was preferred over Kayode in the knockout rounds of the competition last term. After Vincenzo Italiano left the club in June, Kayode hasn't featured as regularly under new manager Raffaele Palladino.
READ | Morgan Rogers question raised after 'forgettable' Aston Villa and Juventus draw
READ | How Emi Martinez mocked Juventus goalkeeper as Douglas Luiz watches Aston Villa match Chelsea record
Palladino is yet to start Kayode in any of the club's first 13 Serie A games, while he has only made four substitute appearances. The full-back has however started each of the club's first three Conference League matches this term.
Tuttosport recognised Kayode's impressive 2024 by naming him the Italian Golden Boy on Wednesday afternoon.
"Last season he was the revelation of Fiorentina, and this year, with Palladino, he is ready to make the right flank his own," Tuttosport said. "Kayode is the best Italian player in the Golden Boy Football Benchmark Index, an award won last year by Giorgio Scalvini [Atalanta] .
"Kayode is already a complete player: he has physicality, speed and technique. He is the present and the future of Fiorentina and is running fast to be the same for the Italian national team."
Italian scout Andrea Ritorni claimed there is also interest in the player from Tottenham, but he thinks the teenager should stay at Fiorentina to continue his development.
“From Italy, there has been something, but little: more than anything else there is talk of the Premier League”, the scout, who works for the agency that represent Kayode, told Italian outlet Tutto Mercato.
“Today Kayode belongs to Fiorentina, who are holding on to him. Palladino wants him. Then if an offer arrives Fiorentina will decide.
“To date, there is nothing concrete, they are just rumours. I think and hope he stays to mature for another year.
“If he does another great year here, then he will also increase in value because I am convinced he will have a great season with Palladino.”
Should Villa reignite their interest in Kayode? Tell us here