Sturm Graz set to sign AC Fiorentina defender – striker faces exit
SK Sturm Graz are on the brink of a key transfer: the Bundesliga side is close to signing a defender from AC Fiorentina. At the same time, a striker is facing an exit, according to internal sources. The Graz-based club is looking to bolster its backline while a forward may leave the club.
Sturm Graz in the Bundesliga top spot (2025) Sturm Graz finished the 2025 season in first place with 38 points, one point ahead of Red Bull Salzburg. In 22 matches, they recorded 12 wins, 2 draws, and 8 losses. The team scored 33 goals and conceded 26, resulting in a +7 goal difference. The new season has not yet begun, but preparations are already underway.
Why this transfer matters for Sturm Graz
A new defender could strengthen Sturm Graz’s backline, which conceded 26 goals last season. In key matches against top teams like Red Bull Salzburg or Austria Wien, defensive solidity proved crucial. The Fiorentina player in question has impressed in both Serie A and the Conference League.
Reports suggest the transfer could be finalized before the start of the 2026/27 season. Sturm Graz is focusing on targeted reinforcements to maintain its title ambitions. In recent years, the club has repeatedly shown that smart transfers help secure its Bundesliga position.
Striker facing exit – who could leave?
Alongside the potential signing, a striker is set to leave the club. The exact reasons for the departure remain unclear, but internal sources confirm negotiations are underway. If the player departs, Sturm Graz would need to act fast to stabilize its attack.
The team currently relies on Moses Usor, an important offensive player who has been sidelined for weeks. His return date is still uncertain. If the striker leaves, Sturm Graz would face a double challenge: finding replacements for both defense and attack.
What’s next for Sturm Graz?
The next steps for Sturm Graz are expected in the coming days. If the Fiorentina defender transfer succeeds, the team could continue preseason preparations with a clear plan. At the same time, the club’s leadership must decide the striker’s future.
The first match of the new season is on October 10, 2026, against Austria Wien. Sturm Graz enters the season as the fourth-placed team and aims to stay near the top. The transfer activity in the coming weeks will be decisive in meeting these ambitions.
Sturm Graz remains a talking point this summer – both on and off the pitch.
