Christian Kouame has no regrets about missing out on a deadline day move to Leeds United, telling Tuttomercatoweb his “destiny” lies with the Serie A outfit.
What Marcelo Bielsa wants, Marcelo Bielsa usually gets at Elland Road.
But if reports are to be believed the enigmatic Argentine missed out on a couple of players he demanded during the winter window.
Fortunately, El Loco appears to have mellowed over the years. There will be no repeat of the Lazio debacle.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Bielsa instructed Leeds to snap up highly rated Toulouse midfielder Kouadio ‘Manu’ Kone after a November scouting mission.
A few weeks later the Ivory Coast international was sealing an £8 million move to Borussia Monchengladbach.
It was a similar story with Kouame too.
Bielsa is an admirer of the 6ft 1in, Serie A target man, even if his goalscoring record would make Souleymane Doukara look prolific (La Nazione).
However, while established internationals Rodrigo Moreno, Robin Koch and Diego Llorente jumped at the chance to hone their talents under one of the game’s most influential tacticians, Kouame’s priority from day one was to stay put.
“Playing for Fiorentina is my destiny. I still remember when my agent called me (to tell me La Viola were interested). I wasn’t just happy, I was more (than happy),” explains Kouame, who moved to Florence in a £9 million deal from Genoa.
While Patrick Bamford maintained his stunning start to life back in the Premier League with a magnificent display in Sunday’s 3-1 win at Leicester City, Bielsa could do with another number nine.
After all, Rodrigo looks far more effective in an advanced midfield role while patience with Tyler Roberts is wearing thin among some supporters.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
