Njie confession: ‘Crystal Palace tried to hijack move, but I wanted Fiorentina’
FLORENCE, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 5: Alieu Njie of ACF Fiorentina in action during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Torino FC at Stadio Artemio Franchi on September 5, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Alieu Njie confessed his move from Torino was hijacked by Crystal Palace over the summer, but ‘it was too late, I told them it’s Fiorentina or nothing.’
Currently on international duty with the Sweden Under-21 side, the winger has been in Italy since coming to the Torino youth academy in 2021.
When the time came to move on from the Granata, he had several big offers, including from the Premier League, but had his heart set on the Stadio Artemio Franchi.
Njie rejected Crystal Palace for Fiorentina
“It was a difficult decision, because I was ready to leave Italy, but then I realised that Fiorentina made a really good offer, so I couldn’t refuse,” Njie told Expressen in Sweden.
It proved to be in the balance right to the final moment before he signed on the dotted line on August 30.
“There were moments when the move to Crystal Palace really did seem to be on the verge of conclusion, but Torino always rejected their proposals.
“While I was on my way to Florence for the medical tests, Crystal Palace tried to intervene at the last moment to ruin that move. I was clear straight away, it was Fiorentina or nothing.
“They wanted one last attempt, but I had already made my decision, so it was too late. Fiorentina represented the best option for me, and I am truly happy.”
Crystal Palace weren’t the only club interested, as RB Salzburg also targeted him.
Part of the decision was fuelled by the fact Njie had already worked with Viola coach Paolo Vanoli at Torino, and he was recalled to Florence after Fabio Grosso’s early season dismissal.
“This was one of the main reasons why I chose Fiorentina. The project proposed to me was exciting, a young team with enormous potential, but Vanoli’s presence counted for a lot too.
“This represents the ideal step for my growth process. Vanoli gave me my Serie A debut, he was the coach when I scored my first top flight goal with Torino. It’s a young squad, we’re all around 21 to 23 years old.”
Everyone with the notable exception of veteran former Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea.
“Exactly, he’s like a big brother who takes care of us,” smiled Njie.
The transfer to Fiorentina was a loan for €4m with obligation to buy for a further €12m, plus add-ons up to €4m and a 10 per cent cut of the future sale fee.
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