Aston Villa and Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing 20-year-old Italian defensive prospect Michael Kayode from Fiorentina in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Corriere dello Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, Aston Villa and Newcastle United are vying for the signature of Michael Kayode in the summer transfer window. The two Premier League heavyweights might have the chance to land the 20-year-old prospect for a cut-price fee, with Fiorentina open to selling him for less than €30 million.
The rise of Michael Kayode
Michael Kayode has emerged as one of the most promising young full-back prospects in Italy in the last few years. A native of Borgomanero, he began his youth career at Juventus before spending a couple of years at ASDC Gozzano. However, the youngster has graduated from the youth division at Fiorentina, joining the Serie A club in 2021.
The 20-year-old broke into the first-team squad at Fiorentina at the onset of the 2023/24 season and has turned out 37 times thus far for La Viola while chipping in with one goal and four assists. Kayode has represented Italy in age-group football thus far and currently represents the country’s under-21 side.
Meanwhile, Michael Kayode’s progress at Fiorentina has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs across Europe, particularly in the Premier League. Aston Villa and Newcastle United are among his prospective suitors in the summer transfer window.
Premier League move on the cards?
Aston Villa’s interest in Michael Kayode is understandable. The Villans have been scouring the market for a right-back heading into the summer transfer window amid uncertainties surrounding the long-term future of Matty Cash. Kayode has thus emerged as a viable target for Aston Villa.
As for Newcastle United, they are also combing the market for a right-back in the summer transfer window amid uncertainties surrounding Kieran Trippier. Kayode is thus an option worth considering for Newcastle United. Meanwhile, the 20-year-old Italian full-back prospect will not cost a bomb, with Fiorentina ready to sell him for less than €30 million.
A sub-€30 million price tag is appealing for a highly-rated 20-year-old full-back prospect. But it will be interesting to see if Aston Villa and Newcastle United are ready to meet Fiorentina’s valuation of the youngster in the summer transfer window.
