Fiorentina have overhauled their defense a couple of days before the start of the new season. German Pezzella has bid farewell and returned to Betis. Instead, Nikola Milenkovic has agreed to an extension and will not leave this summer. Matija Nastastic will soon put pen-to-paper and re-join the club, Tuttomercatoweb reports.
Milenkovic was long considered to be the center-back on his way out, as he was on an expiring contract. Instead, he reportedly clicked with new coach Vincenzo Italiano and opted to stay for at least another season. His new deal is not long-term as it will run through 2023. But he will triple his salary compared to what he was making before, Corriere dello Sport reports. He should also be the captain of the team. Tottenham and West Ham were previously battling to sign him.
After three years, Pezzella headed back to La Liga and to his previous outfit. He collected 138 appearances and scored 7 times during his time with Fiorentina. The team earned €3.5M from the sale. It will spend about the same sum to bring Nastastic back from Schalke 04.
The Serbian defender is already in town to finalize the move. He will return after nine years abroad. Fiorentina unearthed him in 2011, signing him from Partizan. Manchester City poached him a season later. He then transferred to the German club, where he spent the last seven campaigns. The last one ended with a historic relegation. The Viola will likely give more regular playing time to Lucas Martinez Quarta now that his compatriot has departed.