Fiorentina are poised to sign Ivorian midfielder Christ Inao Oulai in a €30 million deal, but the transfer saga has been overshadowed by a bizarre and alarming incident in which the player was nearly kidnapped by impostors posing as Trabzonspor directors.
What Happened?
Oulai had just arrived back in Istanbul from the Ivory Coast, where he had been on holiday following the 2026 World Cup. Upon landing, he was met by individuals claiming to represent Turkish club Trabzonspor, who allegedly attempted to abduct him. The midfielder managed to flee and immediately alerted authorities and his club, according to Football Italia.
The motivation behind the attempted kidnapping remains unclear, but it comes amid intense transfer speculation linking Oulai with a move away from his current Istanbul-based club.
Fiorentina Close to Deal
The shocking episode has not derailed negotiations, with Fiorentina reportedly on the verge of completing a €30 million transfer plus bonuses for the 23-year-old. Multiple sources in Italy and Turkey indicate that the Serie A club have fended off competition from other interested parties to secure Oulai’s signature.
Oulai rose to prominence with strong performances at the World Cup in North America, where he featured for Ivory Coast. His dynamic midfield play and defensive contribution have made him a sought-after asset.
The Viola are expected to finalise personal terms shortly, with Oulai set to become one of the marquee arrivals in Florence this summer.