Fiorentina’s bid for Borja Sainz leaves Athletic empty‑handed

Fiorentina’s bid for 25‑year‑old winger Borja Sainz was turned down by FC Porto, which had paid 13.3 million euros a year earlier, leaving Athletic Club without the wide‑player Edin Terzic has been hunting as the summer window closes. The Italian side valued the player at between 20 and 25 million euros, a price Athletic could not match.

Fiorentina’s offer and Porto’s rejection

Según ha trascendido, La Fiorentina moved for Borja Sainz in the last days during a Primeira Liga encounter at the Estádio do Dragão, presenting a concrete attempt valued between 20 and 25 million euros. Oporto rejected the bid after having just ceded Rodrigo Mora to Roma, meaning the Portuguese side lacked the liquidity to negotiate further. The article, captioned “Compartir Borja Sainz”, highlighted the club’s refusal despite the offer.

Athletic’s summer strategy and winger shortage

El Athletic Club has treated the transfer window as a clean‑up operation. Starting pre‑season with 40 players and a ceiling of 25 signings, Edin Terzic concentrated on off‑loading rather than recruiting, and has yet to register any incoming transfer. Consequently the squad still misses the wide‑player the German coach identified on arrival at Lezama.

The priority on the flanks grew after Nico Williams suffered an injury at the World Cup, raising Ibaigane’s urgency for a differential winger. Borja Sainz, 25, ticks every box Terzic outlined – pace, verticality, goal threat, ability to operate on both sides and a DNA that matches the red‑and‑white project.

In May, thegoldigital.com reported that Athletic’s offer for Borja Sainz did not exceed 20 million euros, falling short of Oporto’s asking price. Fiorentina’s later proposal of 20‑25 million euros was also turned down, indicating that the Portuguese club would not negotiate even at a higher valuation.

Sainz is tied to FC Porto until 2030 and carries a release clause of 100 million euros. This season in the Primeira Liga he has contributed five goals and two assists, figures that underline his growing reputation.

Porto originally paid 13.3 million euros for the winger a year ago. Fiorentina’s current bid, roughly double that amount, was rejected, confirming that the player’s market value has risen beyond the price Oporto paid for him.

With the transfer window drawing to a close, Athletic finishes the summer without the reinforcement Terzic demanded from day one. The saga of Borja Sainz, a former Lezama prospect now courted by Serie A, starkly illustrates the cost of waiting when price and competition are still favourable.