Albanian football is making waves this summer, with two national team stars poised for significant moves in their careers. Marash Kumbulla, a defender currently at AS Roma, and Ernest Muçi, a forward for Beşiktaş, are both on the brink of transfers that could shape their future trajectories.
Marash Kumbulla to Empoli
Marash Kumbulla, once a promising addition to AS Roma, has found himself on the periphery under manager Daniele De Rossi. Despite performing well in recent training sessions, it appears that De Rossi has decided to exclude Kumbulla from his plans for the upcoming season. This situation has opened the door for a potential move to Empoli, a Serie A club keen on strengthening its defensive line.
Reports from Italian media suggest that negotiations between Roma and Empoli are in advanced stages. If the transfer is finalized, Empoli could field a formidable defensive pairing of Kumbulla and Ardian Ismajli, another Albanian international. This would not only bolster Empoli’s defense but also provide Kumbulla with much-needed game time and an opportunity to re-establish himself in Italian football.
Ernest Muçi to Aston Villa
Meanwhile, in England, Aston Villa is showing strong interest in Ernest Muçi, the talented 23-year-old forward currently playing for Beşiktaş. Muçi has been impressive in the Turkish Süper Lig, attracting attention from several European clubs. However, it is Aston Villa, under the guidance of manager Unai Emery, that appears most eager to secure his signature.
According to English media reports, Aston Villa has already made an attempt to include Lucas Digne in a swap deal to bring Muçi to Birmingham. However, this proposal was rejected by Beşiktaş, who are holding out for a transfer fee of 19 million euros without any player exchanges. The deal is now in the hands of Aston Villa’s management, and a final decision is expected soon.
Unai Emery is reportedly very keen on adding Muçi to his squad, seeing him as a valuable asset who can bring creativity and goals to Villa’s attack. If the transfer goes through, it would represent a significant step up in Muçi’s career, giving him the chance to showcase his talent in the highly competitive environment of the English Premier League.
Both Marash Kumbulla and Ernest Muçi are on the verge of career-defining moves this summer. Kumbulla’s potential switch to Empoli could revitalize his career in Serie A, while Muçi’s prospective transfer to Aston Villa would offer him the platform to shine in one of the world’s most prestigious leagues. These developments highlight the growing influence of Albanian players in European football, and fans will be eager to see how these moves unfold in the coming days.