Fiorentina beat AC Milan to loan signing of Sevilla´s Muriel

Fiorentina have beaten AC Milan to the loan signing of Sevilla striker Luis Muriel.

Colombia international Muriel became Sevilla’s record signing when he joined from Sampdoria for a reported €22million in July 2017, but he has failed to live up to expectations.

The 27-year-old scored only seven goals in 29 LaLiga appearances last season, frustrating fans with a lack of killer instinct in front of goal.

Under new coach Pablo Machin, Muriel played just six times in LaLiga this term, with Wissam Ben Yedder and Andre Silva the preferred options in attack.

#SevillaFC y @acffiorentina acuerdan la cesión de Muriel hasta final de temporada.
Mucha suerte en esta nueva etapa, Muriel.

Toda la información de la operación https://t.co/KPvoTfukMu #vamosmisevilla pic.twitter.com/gd1ZnNAAS7

— Sevilla Fútbol Club (@SevillaFC) January 1, 2019

Milan had been touted as favourites to sign Muriel as they look to bolster their attacking options, but Fiorentina ultimately managed to get the deal over the line.

Muriel joins the club initially on loan, but they retain the right to purchase him – reportedly for €13m – at the end of the season.

Fiorentina will be his fourth Italian club after previous spells at Lecce, Udinese and Sampdoria.