Como’s €127 million push meets squad cull, Audero, Morata exit
Como are edging closer to a historic season as the club prepares for its first ever European away trips. A costly recruitment drive has already seen €127 million spent, while a massive squad of nearly 40 players forces the management to consider off‑loading ten names, including goalkeeper Emil Audero and striker Álvaro Morata.
European ambitions and spending
For the first time in its history, Como will face travel across Europe in upcoming competitions. To support this step, the club has invested €127 million in a substantial purchase campaign.
Negotiations are under way with AC Milan for midfielder Samuele Ricci, a target identified by head coach Cesc Fabregas. Fabregas is seeking Italian players to fill the club’s Champions‑league roster slots.
Squad size and early exits
Como’s roster currently lists almost forty players, an extra‑large squad by Serie A standards. The technical project excludes roughly a dozen players, either out of the coach’s plans or returning from loans, who must be moved.
In recent days, forward Andrés Cuenca departed for Sporting Gijón and defender Fabio Rispoli joined Sudtirol.
Goalkeeper and defensive options
Goalkeeper Emil Audero, currently the backup to Andrea Butez, is being considered for transfer after previous spells at Palermo and Cremona. His potential replacement, Swedish keeper Noel Tornqvist, has received positive remarks for his performances.
Defender Alberto Dossena has returned from a six‑month loan at Cagliari, while Edoardo Goldaniga, signed in January 2024, saw limited action last season.
Morata's costly exit
Álvaro Morata, who arrived a year ago, scored only one goal in the Coppa Italia and is now being marketed for a move abroad. His net salary of nearly €5 million makes a transfer to Spain or another foreign league challenging.
Midfield reshuffle
Midfielders Luca Mazzitelli, returning from loans at Sassuolo and Cagliari, and Matthias Braunöder, after a Serie B spell with Bari, are also listed for departure. Alieu Fadera, back from a loan at Sassuolo with 28 appearances and two goals, could join Lecce, which needs offensive wingers.
Striker and other out‑of‑favor players
Forward Nicolas Kuhn, who arrived from Chelsea in the summer of 2025 on a contract worth almost €20 million, has started only six times and scored once, putting his future in doubt.
Ivan Azon, formerly of Ipswich Town, and Alessandro Gabrielloni, whose contract runs to 2028 after a loan at Juve Stabia, are also seeking new clubs.
UEFA deadline and national challenge
Como must submit its squad list to UEFA by 2 September, a deadline influencing the club’s market decisions. The club’s ambitious project has even sparked a nationwide fantasy competition, challenging the whole of Italy with a €340 000 prize pool.