Report: Gianluca Busio attracting interest from European clubs

Gianluca Busio could be the next young American to leave MLS to begin his European career. According to a report from the Kansas City Star, Busio, the 18-year-old midfielder for Sporting Kansas City, has garnered interest from many European clubs, including 5 from Italy: Juventus, Fiorentina, Venezia FC, A.S. Roma, and Napoli. Busio agent also mentioned clubs from France, England, and the Netherlands have also expressed interest in the American.

According to the article, Fiorentina has been the one that has been pursuing Busio the strongest, offering SKC $3.5 million for a transfer a year ago. That offer was turned down by the MLS club. Busio, who signed a Homegrown Player deal with Sporting Kansas City when he was 15 years old, has been a regular presence in the starting XI during MLS’s restart, gaining confidence and contributing to the attack. He’s scored 5 goals in 3 seasons with the club, but Sporting appear to be committed to stepping up his role on the team and getting serious value for Busio if he decides to go abroad.

Gianluca Busio has starred for the United States U-17s, scoring 8 goals in 16 appearances for the team. He has not yet been capped by the USMNT, but he should definitely be on the radar of head coach Gregg Berhalter and his staff. He holds an Italian passport through his father, which would grease the wheels for a move to a European club.

As Busio gets more playing time and become more of a focal point in SKC’s offense, we should see these rumors heat up. Fans should keep close tabs and see if maybe SKC gets an offer it can’t refuse over the next few weeks or in the January transfer window.