Fiorentina coach responds to Kean transfer links with Newcastle

Moise Kean of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Fiorentina and FC Internazionale at Stadio Artemio Franchi on February 6, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Fiorentina coach Raffaele Palladino insists Newcastle target Moise Kean is ‘happy’ at the Stadio Franchi but will be ‘his choice’ if a club is interested in paying his release clause.

Fiorentina coach Palladino responded to transfer speculation linking Italy striker Kean, Serie A’s second-best scorer this season, with a move to Newcastle.

Last week’s reports suggested the Magpies had already opened talks with Kean’s agent. The striker’s contract at the Stadio Franchi includes a €52m clause.

“When a player has to make a decision, he doesn’t look at the money, but at the love of the club and their ambition,” said Palladino via TMW.

Fiorentina coach responds to Kean transfer links with Newcastle

“Our players have exceptional human and sporting value. David [De Gea] and Moise are happy here. They came from a particular situation and they’ve found love and trust. In the end, it will be their choice.”

De Gea is in a different situation as his contract expires in June, but Fiorentina have an option to extend it to 2026. If they do extend the goalkeeper’s contract, his salary will rise to over €2m for 2025-26.

De Gea said on Thursday that he was very happy at Fiorentina.

Palladino said more about Kean, who scored a brace for Italy in a 3-3 draw against Germany on Sunday.

“The credit goes to the player for everything he’s done. The fans and the team have supported him so much,” the coach said.

“He has ambition and maturity, and he can still improve. He is the national team’s present and future. He must never lose his physical condition and work on it daily.

“I believe in hard work and growth. The team is doing a great job, which gives me confidence, Palladino continued.

“We had a meeting in the last few hours and we set goals that we want to establish. They know we must focus on one game at a time, with awareness that we can compete with anyone.”

Fiorentina will host Atalanta at the Stadio Franchi on Sunday, so Palladino will reunite with his ex-coach Gian Piero Gasperini.

“Gasp is a master for me,” confirmed the Fiorentina boss.

“I started seeing football in a different way with him. He has revolutionised Italian football. He’s unique; you can’t just copy and paste somebody, especially him.

“Even when things weren’t working, I always believed we could give our best. We must give everything until the end. The match against Atalanta will be a big mental boost for us.”