Leeds United-owned defender Giuseppe Bellusci could be closing in on a permanent move to Empoli.
Leeds United’s Giuseppe Bellusci
According to reports from Tutto Mercato Web and Pianata Empoli, Empoli will activate a £1.7million permanent deal for Leeds United defender Giuseppe Bellusci if they stay in Serie A.
Bellusci, 27, was one of Leeds’ first signings under the Massimo Cellino reign, with the Italian centre back arriving at Elland Road from Catania on a four-year deal following a nine-day loan deal.
A former Italy Under-21 international, Bellusci made 30 appearances in his first season with Leeds and played another 31 times last term, but his disciplinary issues regularly made him a problem for the Whites, with 26 yellow cards and two red cards in his first two seasons.
Last summer, Leeds allowed Bellusci to return to Italy, sending him out on loan to Empoli as new Leeds boss Garry Monk ended up bringing in Kyle Bartley and Pontus Jansson to strengthen his defence.
Bellusci has been a regular upon his return to Italy, making 26 Serie A appearance for Empoli having been signed as a replacement for star defender Lorenzo Tonelli following his move to Napoli.
Now, Tutto Mercato Web and Pianata Empoli report that Empoli do intend to activate a purchase clause in Bellusci’s loan deal to the value of €2million (£1.7million) – providing that they stay in Serie A.
Giuseppe Bellusci scores for Leeds
Empoli currently sit in 17th place in the Serie A table, five points clear of the relegation zone with eight games to play, and they look set to avoid the drop to Serie B given how poorly Pescara, Palermo and Crotone have fared this season.
With no future at Leeds and just over one year left on his contract, the Whites will be glad to cash in on Bellusci, and will be hoping that Empoli stay in Serie A and activate the clause to buy the centre back this summer.
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