Jean-Pierre Longonda attracts Serie B interest as Catanzaro prepare move

Jean-Pierre Longonda has attracted interest from several Italian Serie B clubs, with Catanzaro reportedly leading the race to sign the Koper player.

Local media reports indicate that Catanzaro are particularly keen on the player and could be prepared to make an offer for the Slovenian top-flight club’s midfielder.

Cremonese, Mantova and Padova are also understood to be monitoring Longonda’s situation as interest in his services continues to grow.

The 22-year-old has a contract with Koper until 2028 after extending his agreement with the club in December. The new deal gives Koper greater control over his future and puts the Slovenian club in a stronger position should an offer arrive from Italy.

Longonda joined Koper in January 2025 after previously being on the books of Spanish side Almeria at reserve level. Since arriving in Slovenia, he has adapted well to his new surroundings and established himself as an important member of the team.

His development at Koper has now attracted attention from clubs competing in Italy’s second tier. Catanzaro appear to have shown the strongest interest so far, with reports suggesting the club is willing to move beyond simply monitoring the player and could make a formal approach.

However, Catanzaro are not alone in their pursuit. Cremonese, Mantova and Padova have also been following Longonda, creating the possibility of competition for his signature if one of the clubs decides to make a concrete proposal.

Longonda began his football development at Lille in France before moving abroad in search of further opportunities.

His subsequent experience with Almeria’s reserve side preceded his move to Koper, where he has continued to develop since arriving in January 2025.

The player’s progress in Slovenia has been reflected in Koper’s decision to extend his contract.

The agreement, which runs through 2028, was secured in December and provides the club with protection should interest from abroad turn into formal offers.

For Longonda, the reported attention from Italy represents another stage in his development after establishing himself as a key player at Koper.

Serie B would provide a new environment if a transfer is eventually completed, while the presence of several interested clubs could give the player and his current club different options to consider.

At present, Catanzaro are reported to be the most advanced in their interest, although no completed transfer has been confirmed. Cremonese, Mantova and Padova remain among the clubs watching the situation.

With Longonda tied to Koper until 2028, any potential move will depend on whether an Italian club follows its interest with a formal offer that satisfies the Slovenian side.

For now, the midfielder remains a Koper player, but his performances have placed him firmly on the radar of several Serie B clubs.