Sporting Kansas City have reportedly turned down two bids from unknown Serie A clubs for Gianluca Busio over the winter.
This comes after what was thought to be a relatively quiet offseason for the American youth international, who is being tracked by clubs in Italy, Germany and Holland. SKC also reportedly turned down a $4 million bid from Fiorentina last summer.
It is uncertain which clubs saw their bid rejected, but the report stated that Fiorentina, Parma and Sassuolo as well as a Dutch club are still in talks with the 18-year-old.
Busio has long been the subject of European interest. As @TaylorTwellman reported, SKC rejected a $4m bid from Fiorentina in 2020.
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) April 22, 2021
It's unclear which two clubs saw offers rejected this winter. A source says the likes of Fiorentina, Sassuolo, Parma and more are interested
Since signing at the age of 15, Busio has racked up six goals and seven assists in 58 appearances with the first team.
When asked about Busio’s situation regarding the U-22 initiative and keeping him around longer, but before the report was published, Vermes was adamant that he is very much in SKC’s future plans.
"“He’s under contract. And just like all of our players, we continue to build our roster according to how we see the game and the team progressing. As far as we’re concerned, Busio’s a huge part of our plans and continues to be.”"
Traditionally a no. 10, Busio saw chunks of time elsewhere in the midfield as well as on the wings last season. In SKC’s season-opening win over the New York Red Bulls, Busio played as the false nine since Alan Pulido wasn’t 90 minutes fit.
A leap over to Italy, where his father is from, would be a dream for Busio. Already an Italian citizen with an Italian passport, Busio would not occupy an international spot. That certainly seems the most likely destination if he is to leave anytime soon.
Still, it doesn’t seem like this would be a particularly good time for SKC to sell Busio. That would put SKC in a very bad position, letting go of one of their top players in a year where they will need him more than ever.Seri
Follow Nathan Dunn of ‘MLS Multiplex‘ on Twitter @8ndunn