Iker Almena leaves Hajduk for Palermo, Inzaghi wants him in Serie B
Young Spanish attacker Iker Almena, a former Hajduk player, is close to a move to Palermo on loan with an option to buy, according to Sky Sport.
Young Spanish attacker Iker Almena, a former Hajduk player, is close to a move to Palermo on loan with an option to buy, according to Sky Sport.
Iker Almena, the 22-year-old Spanish winger who spent last season on loan at Hajduk, is on the verge of a new transfer. After returning to Saudi club Al-Qadsiah, Italian second-division side Palermo has shown serious interest, and a loan deal with an option to buy has already been agreed, according to Sky Sport.
Almena was one of the bright spots for the Split-based club last season. In 23 appearances, he scored four goals and his performances caught the attention of fans and other clubs alike. Hajduk expressed a desire to keep him at Poljud after the loan ended, but financial constraints prevented the deal from being completed. The young Spaniard thus returned to the Arabian Peninsula, to the club he came from.
It seems his return to Al-Qadsiah won't last long. Italian media report that Palermo's coach, the legendary Filippo Inzaghi, has expressed a strong desire to have Almena in his squad. The Sicilian club competes in Serie B with ambitions of promotion, and they see him as an important addition for the upcoming season.
According to Sky Sport, Palermo has agreed with Al-Qadsiah on a loan for the player born in 2004, with an option to buy that would become mandatory if they achieve promotion to Serie A. To finalize the Spaniard's arrival, Palermo will first need to offload some players in the winger positions. Although there were hopes that Almena might stay in the Croatian league, this offer from neighboring Italy has dashed those plans.
