Fiorentina have successfully hijacked Rennes’ deal to sign Croatian defender Marin Pongracić, marking a dramatic turn of events in the transfer market. Pongracić, who had initially agreed to join Rennes, has now completed his medical and signed with Fiorentina.
- Marin Pongracić completes his medical and signs with Fiorentina.
- Fiorentina hijacked the deal despite Pongracić’s initial agreement with Rennes.
- The transfer fee is €14 million plus bonuses with a five-year contract.
Dramatic Turn of Events: Pongracić Chooses Fiorentina Over Rennes
Marin Pongracić’s transfer to Fiorentina has become one of the most talked-about moves in recent football news. Initially, Pongracić had agreed to personal terms with Rennes and was set to sign with the Ligue 1 club. However, in a surprising turn of events, Fiorentina swooped in at the last moment. The Croatian defender found Fiorentina’s offer more appealing, particularly due to his desire to stay in Italy and the opportunity to play in European competitions.
Fiorentina’s Director of Sport, Daniele Pradè, wasted no time in securing Pongracić as a replacement for Nikola Milenković, who is close to joining Nottingham Forest. This quick maneuvering has raised some eyebrows, especially considering that Lecce signed Pongracić for just €1.6 million the previous summer.
🟣🇭🇷 Marin Pongracić completes his medical and signs his contract as new Fiorentina player today.
Despite medical booked at Rennes and documents signed between clubs, Pongracić said yes to Fiorentina and they have hijacked the deal. https://t.co/bTo282R3do
pic.twitter.com— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano)
October 08, 2023
Pongracić’s Career and Transfer History
Marin Pongracić, born on September 11, 1997, has had an eventful career thus far. Standing at 1.93 meters, the Croatian centre-back has played for several clubs, including Bayern Munich (Youth), Red Bull Salzburg, Wolfsburg, Borussia Dortmund, and Lecce. He has also earned 10 international caps for Croatia.
Career Statistics:
- Red Bull Salzburg: 56 appearances, 3 goals
- Wolfsburg: 23 appearances, 1 goal
- Borussia Dortmund: 12 appearances, 0 goals
- Lecce: 36 appearances, 2 goals
Transfer History:
- Red Bull Salzburg to Wolfsburg: €10 million
- Wolfsburg to Borussia Dortmund (loan): €1.5 million loan fee
- Wolfsburg to Lecce: €1.6 million
- Lecce to Fiorentina: €14 million plus bonuses
Health Concerns and Playing Style
Pongracić’s move to Fiorentina is not without its concerns. The defender has had a history of health issues, including Covid, mononucleosis, and other illnesses that have limited his playing time in previous seasons. Despite these setbacks, Pongracić managed to play all 36 Serie A matches for Lecce last season.
Known for his uncompromising, man-marking approach and his ability to read the game well, Pongracić is seen as a like-for-like replacement for Milenković. However, he is not as strong in the air, which could be a point of concern for Fiorentina’s defense.
Fan Reactions and Expectations
Fan reactions to the transfer have been mixed. While some are skeptical about the €14 million fee and Pongracić’s ability to replace Milenković, others are hopeful that he will continue his ascent as a player and prove to be a valuable addition to the team.
In conclusion, this transfer highlights the ever-dramatic world of football, where last-minute deals and hijacked agreements can change the trajectory of a player’s career.
For more detailed player statistics and transfer history, check Pongracić’s profile on Transfermarkt.
