Deco's work hasn't stopped since the summer transfer window opened. The sporting director of FC Barcelona is very active trying to finalize signings, but also some departures that could prove key. In recent hours, he has made progress in negotiations for a sale that nobody expected to Fiorentina, with one of the biggest gems from La Masia leaving the culer ranks.
Goodbye to Barça: he goes to Italy
Barça and Fiorentina have reached an agreement for the transfer of Eman Kospo, an 18-year-old center-back. This will be the second signing for the Italians this season, finalizing his addition to strengthen their defensive line.
The Italian journalist Alfredo Pedullà has provided more details about the agreement. Kospo will leave for just under one million euros, but Barça will keep the option to bring him back in the coming years. In addition, this amount will be for a percentage of his rights, so they could receive more money if he leaves Fiorentina in the future.
The documents are being completed to finalize the agreement, with the official announcement of Eman Kospo's departure expected during the coming week. The Swiss player is highly valued in the youth categories, but he didn't have a place in the first team and the decision was made for him to continue his development away from Barcelona.
Eman Kospo: center-back for the future
Eman Kospo has been one of the standout names of the season in FC Barcelona's youth academy. The young center-back has been key for the Juvenil A team led by Juliano Belletti, a team that finished a historic campaign by winning the league, Copa del Rey, and UEFA Youth League. Kospo has been an undisputed starter, showing leadership, defensive strength, and excellent ball distribution, qualities that fit perfectly with Barça's style.
At just 5 ft. 11 in. (1.80 meters) and 18 years old, Eman Kospo has shown that he is above the level of his age group. The club values him very positively and has high hopes for him, but the next step in his career isn't in Barcelona. Barça Atlètic currently plays in the Segunda Federación, a division that falls short for his development.
Those around the footballer have considered that he needs a bigger challenge to keep growing. The competitive demands, the pace of play, and the experience Kospo needs can only be found in a much higher division. This is why Fiorentina has won the "battle," taking him to Serie A with a theoretically important role.
Barça doesn't want to lose sight of him, but they have also understood that he must compete at the highest possible level to continue his progression. Eman Kospo represents the profile of a modern center-back: strong in one-on-one situations, intelligent in interceptions, with authority and good footwork. His ceiling is high, and now the club must make a strategic decision about his immediate future.
The next step in his career is key, and from Italy, reports indicate that Eman Kospo is set to join Fiorentina. It's a fact.