Fiorentina Target Controversial Frenchman As Edin Dzeko Completes Schalke Move
Paolo Vanoli is preparing a last-minute move for Neal Maupay after Edin Dzeko's surprise departure.
Louis Fargher
Updated on 22 January 2026
Fiorentina are preparing a move for Neal Maupay as Edin Dzeko leaves La Viola after just six-months in Serie A.
Edin Dzeko Joins Schalke
The Bosnian international has completed a free transfer to Schalke, as the Bundesliga 2 side look to maintain their place at the top of the table.
Dzeko joined Fiorentina for free in July 2025 as a back-up option to Moise Kean, but his time in Florence failed to meet many supporters’ expectations.
The 39-year-old failed to score in 11 Serie A appearances as Fiorentina made their worst start to a season and missed La Viola’s last three league matches through injury.
His two goals came in European competition, scoring in the Europa Conference League qualifier second-leg against Polissya and then in MD2 of the competition against Rapid Vienna.
Dzeko had a public with Fiorentina supporters during the club’s home defeat by AEK Athens on November 27th and this added further stress on his situation in Florence.
La Viola supporters have made headlines on multiple occasions this season and have now been banned from away matches alongside Roma fans for a motorway conflict on January 18th.
Fiorentina are set to appeal the decision, but the Italian side are now diverting their priorities to a new striker before the January window comes to a close.
Paolo Vanoli’s side have been linked with multiple players, but Fiorentina appear to have landed on out-of-favor Marseille star Neal Maupay.
Neal Maupay Open To Serie A Switch
Neal Maupay joined Marseille in July 2025 for €4million, as Marseille were forced to sign the Frenchman on a permanent basis following a loan spell in 2024/25.
His spell in France has been nothing short of a disaster so far, as the former Brentford player has made just one appearance in France’s top-flight and was not included in Marseille’s Champions League roster.
This lack of playing-time is due to a fall-out with Roberto De Zerbi, as the Marseille manager wanted Maupay to move on during the summer window – but the striker refused.
Maupay has been banished from first-team training and the French side are hoping to find a potential suitor during the January window.
Fiorentina are prepared to offer Maupay a career lifeline and are looking to show some intent this month after missing out on Diego Coppola.
La Viola are only offering Maupay a six-month deal and the Frenchman must be willing to accept a secondary role behind Moise Kean – but the Ligue1 giants are hoping to include an obligatory buy clause.
Louis Fargher
Louis has been an avid soccer enthusiast for multiple years and boasts knowledge across several leagues in Europe - including Serie A. Louis holds a degree in Soccer Journalism and has produced content for multiple clubs in the United Kingdom.
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