Italian football club ACF Fiorentina has officially confirmed the signing of young midfielder Cher Ndour from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for a reported fee between €5 and €6 million. The 20-year-old talent, who had spent the first half of the 2024-2025 season on loan at Besiktas JK, terminated his loan agreement early to facilitate the transfer.
Born in Brescia, Italy, Ndour began his football career at his hometown club before transferring to Atalanta's youth academy. He gained prominence during his time with SL Benfica, where he debuted as the youngest player ever to feature for Benfica B at just 16 years and 279 days old. His impressive performance helped the Benfica U19 team secure the UEFA Youth League trophy, and he played his first professional match with the club’s senior squad, contributing to their Primeira Liga title win.
After moving to PSG for free following his stint at Benfica, Ndour found himself struggling for opportunities, resulting in loan spells aimed at gaining competitive experience. At Besiktas, he made 22 appearances, scoring once and assisting twice. Despite these contributions, PSG deemed it necessary to cut his loan short, with the intention of allowing him to join Fiorentina for regular playing time.
The transfer marks a significant addition to Fiorentina's squad, particularly after their recent acquisition of Nicolò Zaniolo. Fiorentina's official announcement on social media expressed excitement for Ndour’s arrival, stating, "Cher Ndour is a Viola💜⚜️#forzaviola." This sentiment reflects the anticipation surrounding Ndour as he returns to Italy, where he aims to make his mark after years of development abroad.
PSG confirmed the transfer on their official channels, wishing Ndour success in his future endeavors. A PSG statement read, "Cher Ndour has signed with Fiorentina in a permanent transfer. Paris Saint-Germain wishes him the best for his future endeavors." This transition is seen not only as beneficial for Ndour but also as part of PSG's strategy, allowing them the flexibility to loan other players, like Marco ASensio, to clubs such as Aston Villa.
Ndour's move to Fiorentina provides him with the chance to step up at the Serie A level. Having represented Italy at every youth level up to Under-21, where he scored two goals, Ndour is considered one of the promising talents of his generation. His technical skill and physical attributes make him well-suited for the demands of Italian football, where versatility is highly valued.
Many clubs, including Genoa, Lazio, Torino, and Bologna, had shown interest in signing the midfielder after his stint at Besiktas. Fiorentina's swift negotiations and successful completion of the transfer highlight their intent to bolster their midfield options with high-potential players. With his fresh start at Fiorentina, Ndour's supporters and club officials alike hope he can replicate the success he had during his youth career.
This transfer not only gives Ndour another opportunity to establish himself but also signifies Fiorentina's commitment to investing in young talent. Bringing Ndour on board emphasizes the club’s vision of building a competitive squad for the future.
Overall, Cher Ndour's move to Fiorentina is seen as a fresh start after not finding his footing at PSG. With the right opportunities and support, Ndour has the potential to flourish and make significant contributions to his new club’s ambitions. This transfer could be the pivotal moment he needs to showcase his abilities on one of the biggest stages of European football.