Cagliari have confirmed the acquisition of midfielder Jacopo Fazzini from Fiorentina, while England international Harry Winks is poised to complete his transfer from Leicester City after both players underwent medical examinations on Monday.
The Sardinian club announced that Fazzini has joined on a season-long loan with an option to purchase for approximately €8 million. The midfielder progressed through the Empoli academy before moving to Florence for €9.3 million last summer, though he found opportunities limited following managerial changes at the Artemio Franchi.
Winks, 30, is expected to follow Fazzini in signing for the Serie A side. The former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder is eager to depart Leicester after their relegation to League One, with his contract at the King Power Stadium due to expire at the end of the current season. This marks a return to Italian football for Winks, who previously spent the 2022-23 campaign on loan at Sampdoria.
Both players arrived at Cagliari airport on Monday afternoon to complete their medical assessments ahead of finalising their transfers. They were greeted by supporters and local media before undergoing the necessary formalities.
Fazzini revealed that discussions with head coach Fabio Pisacane proved decisive in his decision to join the club. “It is the right moment to come here for my career,” he told reporters. “I spoke to the coach and he convinced me too.”
Winks expressed similar enthusiasm about returning to Serie A. “I’m really happy to be back in Italy and I can’t wait to meet my new teammates,” he said upon arrival.
The double acquisition represents a significant reinforcement for Pisacane’s squad as they prepare for the upcoming season. Cagliari secured their manager to an improved contract extension earlier this summer, signalling ambition following their top-flight survival.
Fazzini struggled for game time under both Paolo Vanoli and subsequent coach Fabio Grosso at Fiorentina, prompting the loan switch. Parma had also expressed interest in securing his services, but the midfielder opted for the Unipol Domus instead.
Winks made 29 appearances for Leicester last season but could not prevent their drop to the third tier of English football. His previous Italian stint with Sampdoria yielded 20 appearances during the 2022-23 season.