Why Kouame transfer to Verona failed over Fiorentina paperwork at final minute

It was a chaotic transfer deadline day for Fiorentina striker Christian Kouame, who was close to Cagliari, then signed for Verona, but the contract was incomplete and rejected.

The 28-year-old Ivory Coast international is only under contract with the Viola until June 2027 and made just four competitive appearances for the club so far this season.

He was looking for more regular playing time, especially as he tries to find full fitness after a serious knee injury last year.

Kouame was close to two Serie A clubs

In the final hour of the January transfer window in Serie A, Kouame had been seemingly on the verge of a move to Cagliari, only for that to be abandoned.

He was meant to be the replacement for Zito Luvumbo, who will be loaned to Mallorca with option to buy at the end of the season.

Instead, Hellas Verona came in with a proposal and they had put pen to paper on the loan move, depositing it with the Lega Serie A in the final moments before the deadline.

However, multiple sources confirm the contract had crucial details missing and therefore could not be registered.

It is now likely that Kouame will either terminate his contract by mutual respect and therefore become a free agent, or try to find a new club in one of the leagues where the transfer market is still open.