Lecce defender Marin Pongracic had been expected for a medical with Stade Rennes today, but did not turn up because he has decided to join Fiorentina instead.
The deal had been done with the French side at a cost of €15m plus bonuses last week and he seemed to agree personal terms as well.
Today was the scheduled medical, though the Viola dived in and managed to convince Pongracic to remain in Serie A instead, on similar financial terms.
According to Sky Sport Italia and more, the Croatia international should be in Florence to undergo a medical on Thursday July 18.
Fiorentina pounce for Pongracic
The Croatian is the replacement for Serbia international Nikola Milenkovic, who is sold to Nottingham Forest this week for €12m plus add-ons.
He turns 27 in September and had also been linked with Bologna and Napoli in recent weeks.
It is a huge profit for Lecce, who brought Pongracic in from Wolfsburg in 2022 on loan, then made the move permanent for €1.6m.