Super Eagles: key reason Luca Koleosho tops Fiorentina wishlist after snubbing Nigeria

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have recently missed out on a trio of Italy-linked youngsters but it is a move that is set to have a massive impact on the career of Luca Koleosho, Afrik-Foot reports.

ACF Fiorentina have placed former Nigeria-eligible winger Koleosho high on their summer transfer shortlist as the Serie A club looks to strengthen its squad with more Italian players ahead of the new season.

According to reports from Italy, Fiorentina’s leadership team, including sporting director Fabio Paratici and general manager Alessandro Ferrari, recently met club president Rocco Commisso in New York to discuss transfer plans. One of the key objectives was identifying players who could form the backbone of a stronger Italian core at the club.

Super Eagles: Italy choice boosts Koleosho’s appeal

That strategy explains why Koleosho has become one of Fiorentina’s most attractive targets.

The 21-year-old Burnley winger recently ended years of international uncertainty by committing his future to Italy. After being eligible for the United States, Canada, Nigeria and Italy, Koleosho finally earned his senior Azzurri breakthrough, starting friendly matches against Luxembourg and Greece under coach Silvio Baldini.

His decision significantly increased his value among Italian clubs. Fiorentina view him as a young, dynamic winger who not only fits their footballing project but also their desire to build around Italian internationals.

Koleosho spent the second half of last season on loan at Paris FC and is expected to return to Burnley, relegated from the Premier League this term, in the summer. However, his future remains uncertain because the French club hold an option to make the move permanent. Should Paris FC decline that clause, Burnley could invite offers from several interested clubs.

Fiorentina are not alone in the race. Serie A rivals Bologna, Genoa and Monza are also monitoring the winger, whose pace, direct running and versatility have made him one of the most sought-after young attackers available.

Nigeria Super Eagles connection now closed

Before choosing Italy, Koleosho was one of the most closely watched dual-national talents available to the Super Eagles.

Born in Norwalk, Connecticut, he represented the United States at youth level and also attracted strong interest from Canada through his mother. Nigeria remained an option through his Nigerian father, although he never accepted a Super Eagles call-up or featured for any Nigerian national team.

Italy ultimately won the battle. Koleosho enjoyed his greatest international success with the Azzurri youth teams, helping Italy win the UEFA European Under-19 Championship before making 14 appearances for the Under-21 side.

His recent senior debut effectively ends any hopes of a future switch to Nigeria and is one of the major reasons Fiorentina now see him as an ideal fit for their Italian-focused rebuild.

Okoli also on Fiorentina radar

Koleosho is not the only player with Nigerian roots attracting Fiorentina’s attention.

The Viola are also pursuing Leicester City defender Caleb Okoli, who was born in Italy to Nigerian parents. The 24-year-old centre-back joined Leicester from Atalanta in 2024 but could leave following the club’s relegation.

Unlike Koleosho, Okoli remains eligible for Nigeria because he has not played a competitive senior match for Italy despite receiving several call-ups. Former Super Eagles coach José Peseiro previously attempted to convince him to switch allegiance, but the defender opted to continue pursuing his dream of representing Italy.

Fiorentina believe both players fit their recruitment model and could play important roles as the club attempts to reshape its squad before the start of the new campaign.