£7m man in limbo as Southampton move collapses, now training alone

Follow us on Google Discover

Bartlomiej Dragowski has been omitted from Fiorentina’s pre-season squad after missing out on a potential £7 million move to Premier League outfit Southampton, as reported by Tuttomercatoweb. 

While The Saints jumped at the chance to sign one Polish shot-stopper – Mateusz Lis joining on a free transfer in June – compatriot Dragowski finds himself lodged in limbo with the new Serie A season just six weeks away. 

At one stage, the former Empoli ace looked all-but certain to join Southampton’s goalkeeping ranks this summer. That was until the South Coast club called off negotiations, per Meczyki, due to work permit concerns.  

Gavin Bazunu, a £12 million signing from Premier League champions Manchester City, will now be fighting Alex McCarthy for a place in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s starting XI instead, with Lis expected to spend 2022/23 out on loan on French soil.

But what about for Dragowski? Where does he go from here? 

Southampton call off deal for Fiorentina’s Bartlomiej Dragowski

According to Tuttomercatoweb, the gifted 24-year-old is not part of Fiorentina’s first-team roster as pre-season preparations get underway. Dragowski is no longer training with the rest of Vincenzo Italiano’s squad either. 

Though a solution should be found in the near future.

The report adds that Dragowski has agreed a five-year deal with Espanyol. Then again, the La Liga outfit are yet to meet Fiorentina’s £7 million asking price. Espanyol have had a pair of lowball bids rejected.  

La Viola, meanwhile, plan to bring in Vanja Milinkovic-Savic of Torino and former Tottenham Hotspur benchwarmer Pierluigi Gollini as Dragowski’s replacement.

Milinkovic-Savic, the younger brother of Lazio star Sergej, is reportedly a target for Brentford and Crystal Palace too. Palace appear to be out of the race, however, after landing Sam Johnstone from West Brom. 

According to The Athletic, England international Johnstone has agreed a four-year deal at Selhurst Park. This could open the door for Jack Butland to depart, with Rangers reportedly interested.