Fiorentina Face Pressure as Everton Eye Striker Swoop

Albert Gudmundsson’s future remains up in the air as Fiorentina, Everton and Inter Milan all consider moves ahead of the summer window.

Fiorentina Under Pressure to Secure Gudmundsson Permanently

Fiorentina find themselves under increasing pressure to act decisively regarding Albert Gudmundsson, whose performances on loan from Genoa have attracted major attention. Everton and Inter Milan are both preparing to move should Fiorentina decline their option to buy the Icelandic forward.

Sources have indicated that the Premier League side are closely monitoring Gudmundsson, viewing him as a potential addition to their attacking ranks for next season. Fiorentina initially secured Gudmundsson on loan with a £5 million fee, and hold an option to make the move permanent for £14 million, plus an additional £3 million in performance-based add-ons.

Everton and Inter Milan Ready to Challenge

While Fiorentina have yet to inform Genoa of their decision, the clock is ticking. If they pass up their option, the 27-year-old’s price could rise slightly, but is not expected to exceed £20 million — a figure that makes him an accessible target for clubs like Everton and Inter.

Inter Milan, who previously considered Gudmundsson as a transfer target, remain firmly in the race. The Serie A giants have been impressed by his performances against top Italian opposition this season, including goals against Lazio, AC Milan, Napoli, Juventus, and even his parent club Genoa.

Player Profile: Gudmundsson’s Rise to Prominence

Born in Reykjavik in 1997, Albert Gudmundsson comes from a strong footballing pedigree — both his parents were footballers, with his father Gudmundur Benediktsson representing Iceland internationally. After developing at PSV Eindhoven’s academy, Gudmundsson moved to AZ Alkmaar, where he scored 24 goals in 98 appearances over three-and-a-half seasons.

Following his 2022 transfer to Genoa, Gudmundsson experienced relegation from Serie A, but played a pivotal role in their swift return from Serie B. His 16-goal campaign last season secured him a loan move to Fiorentina, where he has continued to impress despite battling injuries.

Primarily deployed as a central attacking midfielder this term, Gudmundsson has demonstrated a keen eye for goal, as well as the ability to create from set-pieces and contribute defensively. Statistically, he ranks in the 95th percentile for interceptions and 99th for touches in the defensive third among Serie A forwards this season.

What Lies Ahead?

Fiorentina must make a decision soon if they wish to retain Gudmundsson at the agreed fee. Failure to do so could see Everton or Inter Milan step in, as both clubs search for versatile attacking options during the summer transfer window.

Site Opinion

For Fiorentina and Genoa, Albert Gudmundsson’s trajectory represents both an opportunity and a dilemma. Genoa stand to benefit from either a permanent Fiorentina transfer or a bidding war among Europe’s interested parties, while Fiorentina risk losing a player who has seamlessly adapted to their system for a relatively modest fee.

From Gudmundsson’s perspective, any move must be weighed carefully. At 27, he is entering what many consider the peak years of his career. A move to the Premier League would offer him a new challenge, but regular football and a clear tactical role should take precedence if he is to continue fulfilling his considerable potential.