Super Eagles-eligible Michael Kayode is reportedly a transfer target of newly-crowned Serie A champions Inter Milan. The right-back has developed into a key player for Fiorentina this season after coming through the club’s youth ranks.
At 19, Kayode is already attracting interest from some of Europe’s big clubs and Inter Milan could be his next destination. The last 12 months have seen the defender enjoy a meteoric rise after starring in the youth league.
Kayode started his career at Juventus but moved to Fiorentina in 2021, sandwiched by a two-year spell at Serie D side AC Gozzano. Having starred for Forentina’s youth team, he was included in Italy’s squad for the U-19 European Championship in Malta in 2023.
The teenager started every game as Alberto Bollini’s side won the tournament, with the right-back scoring the winner in the final against Portugal. Upon returning to Fiorentina, he was promoted to the senior team by manager Vincenzo Italiano and has since been a regular for the Viola this season.
Kayode has made 35 appearances in all competitions this term, 24 of which have come in the Serie A. He has contributed one goal and five assists in what has been a breakthrough campaign for the teenager.
Inter Milan line up move for Kayode if Dumfries leaves
Kayode's impressive performances haven’t gone unnoticed and he remains one of the hottest prospects in the Italian top-flight. The Italy U-21 international has been linked with Premier League giants Arsenal in recent months, with Mikel Arteta said to be a huge admirer of the right-back.
However, the latest report suggests Inter Milan also have their sights set on the 19-year-old. The Serie A side are said to be eyeing Kayode as a potential replacement for Denzel Dumfries, should the Netherlands international depart the San Siro in the summer.
Dumfries joined the Nerazzurri from PSV Eindhoven in August 2021, and has so far enjoyed a trophy-laden stint with the Italian club, having won the Serie A and the Coppa Italia twice. He is also a two-time Italian Super Cup champion while helping Simone Inzaghi’s side to reach the final of the UEFA Champions League last season.
While the Dutchman has only a year left on his contract, Inter Milan would rather see him depart for a fee rather than lose him for free in June 2025. To this end, the club has plans to sign Kayode if Dumfries leaves this summer. Dumfries has been heavily linked to Manchester United and remains reluctant to renew his contract with Inter.
According to Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FC Inter News, the Serie A champions are keen on Kayode, and will make a move for the defender if they lose Dumfries in the summer. Inter are said to view the Fiorentina youngster as an ideal replacement for the Dutchman, and believe he is on his way to becoming one of the best right-backs in the world. It is uncertain whether Kayode has a specific release clause but reports suggest Fiorentina will demand in excess of €12 million for their prized asset.
Kayode still eligible to play for the Super Eagles
Meanwhile, Kayode remains eligible to play for Nigeria despite featuring for Italy at U-18, U1y9 and U-21 levels. The 19-year-old is of Nigerian descent, which makes him eligible to represent the country of his parents.
Kayode recently told Radio Sportiva that he dreams of playing for the Italy national team but he is yet to be capped or even receive a senior call-up to the Azzurri.
That could change in the coming months, though, with Italy head coach Luciano Spalletti said to be scouting talented young players to augment his squad ahead of Euro 2024. Italy’s options at right-back are currently Matteo Darmian and Giovanni Di Lorenzo, and it remains to be seen if Kayode can usurp any of them in the squad before the Euros.
Should he be snubbed again, then it opens the doors for Nigeria to once again try to lure the teenager to ditch Italy for the Super Eagles.
