Torino Close to Signing Niels Nkounkou from Eintracht Frankfurt

Torino are close to signing defender Niels Nkounkou from Eintracht Frankfurt on loan. The deal includes an option to buy. All parties have agreed, and only final paperwork is left before Nkounkou moves to Serie A.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Torino have found a left-back after weeks of searching. The club agreed with Eintracht Frankfurt on a loan deal. The Italian club will pay €1.5 million for the loan and can buy Nkounkou for €6 million. Nkounkou, 24, was recently called up to the French national team. He fits coach Marco Baroni’s tactics perfectly. Nkounkou can play both as a left-back and inside. He adds flexibility to Torino’s defense. The club acted after losing to Inter, putting more pressure to strengthen the squad. Nkounkou approved the transfer and will arrive in Turin soon.

AT TORINO AND FRANKFURT: THE RECENT SEASON

Torino are 19th in Serie A with a loss in their opening game and are playing Fiorentina today. They lost 5-0 to Inter recently and trail Fiorentina by one point, who drew their opener to Caglari. Torino need reinforcements to remain competitive. Eintracht Frankfurt, Nkounkou’s club, are currently aiming for a European spot in the Bundesliga, sitting in 1st with 6 points from two matches. Last season, Nkounkou played 28 league games for Frankfurt, scored 2 goals, and assisted 3, logging over 2100 minutes as one of the most reliable defenders for the club.

WHAT NEXT?

Torino face Fiorentina, who finished in 6th last season. Winning this match is important for Torino to climb the table before the international break. Nkounkou is expected to join the squad soon, potentially making his debut shortly. The club is also looking for another central defender before the transfer deadline. Frankfurt, on the other hand, need to replace Nkounkou in defense. They host Leverkusen next, who finished 2nd in the Bundesliga last season. Both teams have important matches that could shape their seasons.