Fakayejo Paul
Florence, Italy – Fiorentina have reportedly reached a verbal agreement to sign centre-back Mattia Viti from OGC Nice, marking a significant step in bolstering their defensive ranks.
The deal is understood to be a loan with a non-mandatory buy option clause of €4.5 million, and crucially, includes a 15% sell-on clause for OGC Nice.
Viti, a 23-year-old Italian international who spent last season on loan at Empoli, is under contract with Nice until June 2027.
Despite a previous €13 million move to France in 2022, he has struggled to consistently break into Nice’s first team, leading to multiple loan spells back in Italy, including with Sassuolo and his boyhood club Empoli.
This potential move signifies Fiorentina’s intent to acquire talented young Italian players, a strategy that aligns with their recent transfer activity.
The non-mandatory buy option provides Fiorentina with flexibility, allowing them to assess Viti’s performance before committing to a permanent transfer.
The inclusion of a sell-on clause suggests Nice’s belief in Viti’s long-term potential, even as they facilitate his move back to Serie A.
For Fiorentina, Viti’s arrival could be particularly timely, especially with reports suggesting potential departures of other defenders.
His experience in Serie A, combined with his age and potential for growth, makes him an attractive prospect for the Viola as they look to build a competitive squad for the upcoming season.
Formal steps to finalize the agreement are expected to follow in the coming days, with fans eagerly awaiting an official announcement from the club.