Fabiano Parisi insists he is ‘not thinking about the transfer market’ after the Empoli left-back’s agent admitted interest from Premier League outfit Leeds United, speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport.
Heading into the weekend’s round of fixtures, no player in Serie A had completed more dribbles than Parisi’s 12.
When you consider what Jesse Marsch expects from his full-backs – energy, industry and a hankering for adventure – you can see why the 21-year-old would have appeared on Leeds’ radar. If the Yorkshire giants want a new left-back, and it seems that they do, Parisi certainly ticks more boxes than most.
“I consider him a great team player. He can be the transfer man for January or for (next) summer,” explains Mario Giuffredi, Parisi’s agent, when talking to Tuttomercatoweb.
“He’s (a player) of the highest standards. He can aspire to important goals. We had many clubs (showing an interest); from Atalanta to Torino to Fiorentina, Leeds and Nice.
“In agreement with Empoli, we decided to wait.”
Leeds United like Serie A full-back Fabiano Parisi
Parisi, an Italy U21 international who joined Empoli for a bargain £400,000 from Avellino two years ago, could potentially solve one of the biggest problems facing Marsch at Elland Road. Junior Firpo, Leeds’ only natural left-sided full-back, has not played a minute so far in 2021/22 after suffering yet another injury.
Stuart Dallas could also be out of action until the New Year. As such, Pascal Struijk has been forced to fill in on the left, to rather mixed results thus far.
“It must be the year of confirmation,” explains Parisi, looking to build on an excellent start to the season and establish himself as one of the best in his position on Italian soil, having put previous injury issues behind him.
“Fortunately, I was able to carry out all the (pre-season) preparations without incident, unlike the two previous seasons.
“I am not thinking of the transfer market, but of playing well at Empoli. It is the ideal club for young people. They allow you to grow without pressure and allow you to make mistakes.
“The other big goal is to join the national team. I hope (Italy coach Roberto) Mancini will give me a look.”
Parisi, clearly, is not going to push for a move. Fortunately, he is not the only left-back in Leeds’ sights.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
