Hull City have suffered a double setback in their pursuit of Serie A players, with Fiorentina defender Niccolo Fortini completing a loan move to Torino and Juventus forward Jonathan David reportedly turning down an approach from the Premier League club.
Torino confirmed Fortini’s arrival on Friday, bringing an end to the competition between the Italian club and Hull City for the versatile full-back.
The 20-year-old has joined Torino from Fiorentina on an initial loan deal that includes an option to buy. According to TMW, Torino will pay €500,000 for the loan, while the purchase option has been set at €9.5m.
Fortini had also been in talks with Hull City, but several Italian sources had already reported that he had decided last week to continue his career in Turin.
The defender’s Fiorentina contract was due to expire in June 2027. Before agreeing to the loan, Fiorentina extended his deal until 2030, allowing the club to retain a longer-term interest in the player while he spends the season with Torino.
The move represents the first of two disappointments for Hull City in Italy, with a report from Tuttosport claiming that Jonathan David has also rejected the possibility of moving to the MKM Stadium.
The Canada international is understood to be keen to remain in Turin, despite Juventus reportedly considering a sale after only one season. The Serie A club are said to want to replace David with Joshua Zirkzee.
David’s reported decision means Hull City will not be able to pursue a move for the Juventus forward under the current approach. At the same time, Fortini’s transfer is now official after Torino completed the loan agreement with Fiorentina.
The two developments leave Hull City without either of the Serie A targets mentioned in the reports. Fortini will continue with Torino under a deal that could become permanent for €9.5m, while David’s future remains linked to Juventus’ plans and the club’s interest in Zirkzee.
Fortini was under contract with Fiorentina until 2027 before the extension, but the Italian club’s decision to renew his agreement through 2030 provided the framework for the loan to Torino. Juventus, meanwhile, are reportedly looking to move David on after one campaign and reshape their attack with Zirkzee.
Neither player will therefore be joining Hull City at this stage, with Fortini committed to Torino and David reported to have declined the Premier League club’s approach.