Christian Kouamé is expected to depart Fiorentina this summer, with the Ivorian forward reportedly attracting serious interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia.
Currently on loan at Empoli, the 27-year-old appears to be nearing the end of his time in Italy as he seeks a new challenge.
Kouamé’s representatives at MM-Management confirmed to Africasoccer that the player is ready for a change of scenery, and Fiorentina, despite holding him under contract until 2027, are reportedly open to a transfer.
The Tuscan club is understood to be willing to negotiate his departure in the upcoming window, with several Saudi Pro League sides monitoring the situation closely.
This season at Empoli, Kouamé made 36 appearances across all competitions, scoring two goals and registering six assists.
While the numbers may not reflect a prolific scoring record, his versatility and work rate have made him a valuable attacking option for the Tuscan outfit.
Often deployed across the front line, Kouamé contributed both creatively and in pressing duties, helping Empoli maintain their Serie A status in a turbulent campaign.
However, his market value has taken a hit over the past few years. Once estimated at €22 million, Transfermarkt now values the Ivorian at just €6 million, a drop that mirrors his fluctuating fortunes since his early promise at Genoa and the initial phase of his Fiorentina career.
Despite this decline in valuation, interest in Kouamé remains high. According to sources close to his management, multiple unnamed clubs in Saudi Arabia have entered discussions in recent weeks.
These clubs are reportedly impressed by his international pedigree, top-flight experience in Europe, and physical attributes that suit the demands of the Saudi league.
For Kouamé, the prospect of a move to the Middle East presents a significant career pivot. It would mark his first venture outside European football, following spells at Genoa, Fiorentina, Anderlecht (on loan), and most recently Empoli.
At 27, he may view this as both a sporting and financial opportunity, especially as the Saudi Pro League continues to expand its global footprint and attract talent from across Europe.
Kouamé, who has been capped more than 20 times by the Ivorian national team, remains an important figure in his country’s set-up.
While his international performances have occasionally sparked transfer speculation in the past, he has yet to fully deliver on the promise that once made him one of Serie A’s most talked-about young prospects.
A move abroad, particularly to a league where he could feature more prominently, might reignite that trajectory.
Fiorentina, meanwhile, are expected to use the funds from Kouamé’s potential departure to reinforce their attack with new profiles more suited to manager Vincenzo Italiano’s evolving system.
With the club now focused on restructuring ahead of next season, clearing space in the squad and trimming the wage bill is a key part of their summer strategy.
As negotiations continue behind closed doors, Kouamé’s future looks increasingly likely to lie outside of Europe. An official announcement could follow in the coming weeks, as clubs prepare for the opening of the summer transfer window.
