Why Luca Koleosho Is a Top Target for Fiorentina After Declining Nigeria

The Super Eagles have recently missed out on three Italy‑linked prospects, a decision that could significantly shape the future of Luca Koleosho, according to Afrik‑Foot.

ACF Fiorentina has placed former Nigeria‑eligible winger Luca Koleosho high on its summer transfer list as the Serie A club seeks to bolster its squad with more Italian talent ahead of the new season.

Reports from Italy say that Fiorentina’s leadership team—sporting director Fabio Paratici and general manager Alessandro Ferrari—met club president Rocco Commisso in New York to discuss transfer plans. A key goal was to identify players who could form the backbone of a stronger Italian core at the club.

That strategy explains why Koleosho has become one of Fiorentina’s most attractive targets.

The 21‑year‑old Burnley winger recently ended years of international uncertainty by committing his future to Italy. After being eligible for the United States, Canada, Nigeria and Italy, Koleosho earned his senior Azzurri breakthrough, starting friendly matches against Luxembourg and Greece under coach Silvio Baldini.

His decision has significantly increased his value among Italian clubs. Fiorentina sees him as a young, dynamic winger who fits both their footballing project and their desire to build around Italian internationals.

Koleosho spent the second half of last season on loan at Paris FC and is expected to return to Burnley, which was relegated from the Premier League this term, in the summer. However, his future remains uncertain because Paris FC holds an option to make the move permanent. If Paris declines that clause, Burnley could receive offers from several interested clubs.

Fiorentina are not alone in the race. Serie A rivals Bologna, Genoa and Monza are also monitoring the winger, whose pace, direct running and versatility have made him one of the most sought‑after young attackers available.

Before choosing Italy, Koleosho was one of the most closely watched dual‑national talents available to the Super Eagles.

Born in Norwalk, Connecticut, he represented the United States at youth level and also attracted strong interest from Canada through his mother. Nigeria remained an option through his Nigerian father, although he never accepted a Super Eagles call‑up or featured for any Nigerian national team.

Italy ultimately won the battle. Koleosho enjoyed his greatest international success with the Azzurri youth teams, helping Italy win the UEFA European Under‑19 Championship before making 14 appearances for the Under‑21 side.

His recent senior debut effectively ends any hopes of a future switch to Nigeria and is one of the major reasons Fiorentina now see him as an ideal fit for their Italian‑focused rebuild.

Okoli also on Fiorentina radar

Koleosho is not the only player with Nigerian roots attracting Fiorentina’s attention.

The Viola are also pursuing Leicester City defender Caleb Okoli, who was born in Italy to Nigerian parents. The 24‑year‑old centre‑back joined Leicester from Atalanta in 2024 but could leave following the club’s relegation.

Unlike Koleosho, Okoli remains eligible for Nigeria because he has not played a competitive senior match for Italy despite receiving several call‑ups. Former Super Eagles coach José Peseiro previously attempted to convince him to switch allegiance, but the defender opted to continue pursuing his dream of representing Italy.

Fiorentina believe both players fit their recruitment model and could play important roles as the club attempts to reshape its squad before the start of the new campaign.