Serie A club Parma have made a late move to secure Strasbourg centre-back Abakar Sylla on loan with an option to buy, according to L’Equipe.
The 22-year-old Ivorian had been in talks for a deadline-day switch to Southampton, but negotiations between the Saints and Strasbourg have reportedly collapsed, allowing Parma to take the lead.
Sylla, who joined Strasbourg from Club Brugge, has struggled for consistency despite featuring regularly for the French side. This season, he has made 15 appearances in all competitions, but his position at the club came under threat following the loan arrival of Andrew Omobamidele from Nottingham Forest.
Parma, a club with a rich history in Italian football, are looking to strengthen their defense as they push for a return to Serie A’s upper ranks. The club enjoyed its golden era in the 1990s, winning three Coppa Italia titles and two UEFA Cups. Now, with Sylla potentially in their ranks, Parma are aiming to build a solid foundation for future success.
