Gianluca Busio (19) is making waves in Major League Soccer and that has attracted the interest of several teams in Italy according to reports. Busio was given the number 10 jersey of Sporting KC this season and has begun to command the midfield for Peter Vermes side.
Busio has been touted as one of the best young talents of MLS for the last two seasons, but Vermes stepped it up a notch and did something few if any MLS teams ever do, give the playmaking role to an American. Busio has responded so far in 2021 with 2 goals, 2 assists in 12 games and has been a leader in the middle for Sporting.
The silky midfielder is reportedly getting a lot of interest overseas and various clubs have already tabled offers for Busio according to Taylor Twellman of ESPN. Here are the four teams in Italy that want to sign the American international.
Parma
Gianluca Busio #27 of Sporting Kansas City celebrates after scoring during the 2nd half of the MLS Cup playoff game against the San Jose Earthquakes (Getty)
Parma who made waves for recently signing Gianluigi Buffon and being relegated last season to Serie B have a deep squad despite their current situation. Busio would have to learn the ropes and being in Serie B might be a good learning curve.
Fiorentina
Osvaldo Alonso #6 of Minnesota United and Gianluca Busio #27 of Sporting Kansas City (Getty)
It has been reported that Fiorentina scouts liked what they saw in Busio and are very keen to tap into the American market. Busio has good on the ball skills that could make Fiorentina pull the trigger. The club is not so keen on paying a high price for a player who is not a regular on a national team though.
Sassuolo
Boris Sekulic #2 of Chicago Fire FC battles with Gianluca Busio #27 of Sporting Kansas City (Getty)
At the moment, Sassuolo, is the only team to have reportedly put the chips in on the young American. $6 million is what the Italian club have offered, Sky Sport Italia reported that it is an “imminent agreement.” Although reports from the U.S. have indicated that negotiations are ongoing, and the idea is to hold on to the player until the end of the MLS season.
Venezia
Gianluca Busio #27 of Sporting Kansas City scores during the penalty shoot-out during the round of 16 sixteen match between Sporting Kansas City and Vancouver Whitecaps (Getty)
Venezia have entered the fold for the young American and will offer the asking price of $6 million as well, as the team looks to prepare their squad for their Serie A return this season. Busio holds an Italian passport and that could move the deal to the finish line.
What’s next for Gianluca Busio? Well, he is sure to be on Gregg Berhalter’s Concacaf Gold Cup roster for the USMNT this summer. A good showing could elevate his market value and help the young midfielder get into the USMNT fold on a regular basis.
