Real Betis and Fiorentina interested in Borja Mayoral

Last season Borja Mayoral was a revelation for Roma. The striker rotated with Edin Dzeko and managed 47 appearances (2,300 minutes) where he scored 17 goals and provided 7 assists. In fact, the loanee topped Managing Madrid’s Loan Tracker rankings at the end of the season. It seemed the Serie A, and in particular Rome, were the perfect environment for the now 24-year-old’s development. Most felt his breakout year would lead to an even bigger role in the 2021-2022 season.

The bigger role never materialized. Borja Mayoral’s fortunes dramatically changed when Jose Mourinho was appointed as the new manager of Roma. The Portuguese manager sold Dzeko and purchased Tammy Abraham to be his starting striker. Mayoral has barely featured — he has been a substitute in four matches amounting to a meager 41 minutes. It seems both the player, the club, and the parent club (Real Madrid) are open to terminating the loan and finding a new destination for the player.

According to Italian outlet La Nazione, Fiorentina would be interested in securing the signing of Borja Mayoral on loan with an option to buy. The Spaniard would become the de-facto Vlahovic replacement, with the Serbian being linked to a host of top European clubs and expected to depart in one of the next two transfer windows. Manuel Pellegrini’s Real Betis are the other interested club as Mayoral fits the profile of the type of player Pellegrini likes to see in his side. With Willian Jose and Borja Iglesisas already contracted at the club, a move to Fiorentina may make more sense. It would also see Mayoral link up with fellow Madrid loanee, Alvaro Odriozola.

In the summer window, there was also Premier League interest in Mayoral with Crystal Palace and Southampton both rumored to be admirers of the striker. In April, Mayoral will be 25-years-old and it may be time for Madrid to find a new permanent home for the long-time loanee. After his successful season last year, there will be plenty of suitors.