Empoli FC is set to make its move to permanently secure striker Sebastiano Esposito from Inter Milan as the 2023/24 Serie A season draws to a close. This ambitious move, reported by FCInterNews, rests on conditions favorable to the Tuscan club, who have expressed their intent to activate Esposito's purchase option at the end of the current season.
Under the terms of the loan agreement, Empoli can buy the 22-year-old for €5 million, with the added stipulation of paying Inter Milan a sell-on fee of 20% for any future transfer profits above the purchase price. Should Empoli sign Esposito and later sell him for €20 million, they would owe Inter €3 million of the proceeds. This deal was welcomed by Empoli's management, who are pleased with the agreement laid out.
Currently on loan from the Nerazzurri, Esposito, who has already made waves this season, has scored five goals in Serie A and played a key role in Empoli's Coppa Italia campaign, including eliminating fierce rivals Fiorentina. His performance has not gone unnoticed, gaining him recognition as he has finally found his footing after previous loans at clubs like SPAL, Venezia, and Anderlecht.
This season marks a turning point for Esposito, who has struggled for consistent game time at various clubs before landing at the Stadio Carlo Castellani. His resurgence has significantly contributed to Empoli establishing itself firmly within the Serie A midtable, providing manager Roberto D’Aversa with confidence heading toward the season's conclusion.
While the sale is contingent on Empoli’s survival in Serie A, the club remains optimistic, minimizing the risk of relegation based on their current form. They want to solidify Esposito's place as part of their long-term strategy.
Nevertheless, any complications arising from relegation concerns could alter their plans. Still, for now, Empoli is committed to making the move permanent and has communicated their intentions to both Inter Milan and Esposito’s representatives.
With Esposito's career gaining momentum and his performances improving week after week, the outlook for Empoli seems promising. They have clearly set their eyes on securing his services long-term, indicating their strategy to build around impactful players like Esposito as they look to solidify their presence and success within Italy's top league.
The upcoming months are sure to be pivotal for both Esposito and Empoli as they aim to navigate their respective aspirations: for Esposito, to continue his upward career spiral; and for Empoli, to turn their ambition of securing the striker's permanent arrival from Inter Milan, transforming potential plans on paper to tangible outcomes on the pitch.
