Fiorentina: Salary concern almost scuppered Aquilani signing

Fiorentina sporting director Daniele Prade admits Alberto Aquilani’s “impractical salary” made the deal to sign him from Liverpool a difficult one.

The 28-year-old completed a permanent move back to his homeland having been deemed surplus to requirements by manager Brendan Rodgers after spending two seasons on loan at Juventus and AC Milan.

Aquilani, a £16m signing by former boss Rafael Benitez in 2009, made just 18 appearances for the Reds.

Although Liverpool took a significant loss on the transfer they were keen to get his huge salary – reported to be £6m a year – off the wage bill in a summer cost-cutting exercise.

However, that was almost a stumbling block for Fiorentina.

Prade, asked about the club’s summer signings, told Radio Blu: “The most difficult operation? The one with Liverpool for Aquilani, who had a salary impractical for Fiorentina and perhaps also for all Italian clubs.

“We resolved it along with Liverpool, our good relations paid off. It was great taking back Aquilani to Fiorentina. Alberto in Florence will again be a top player.”