Fiorentina officially announced the signing of Ivorian midfield star Ulay, with a transfer fee of up to 30 million euros.

Fiorentina announced on Sunday that Ivorian midfielder Cristiano Inau-Ulay has joined the club from Trabzonspor. The two sides have signed a five-year contract, valid until June 30, 2031.

Despite Ulay's contract with Trabzonspor expiring in 2030, Fiorentina launched a fierce pursuit of the player under the strong pressure of new coach Fabio Grosso. They ultimately succeeded in snatching Ulay from several European powerhouses, including Juventus and RB Leipzig, with a more competitive offer, bringing him to the Stadio Artemio Franchi.

According to official documents released by Trabzonspor, Ulay's transfer fee was €26 million plus €4 million in add-ons. Furthermore, the club will receive 10% of any subsequent transfer fees.

The 20-year-old Ulay grew up in the renowned JMG youth academy in Africa and transferred from Bastia to Trabzonspor in 2025 for €9.6 million. To date, he has made 31 appearances for Trabzonspor, scoring 2 goals and providing 4 assists, and has won a Turkish Cup with the team.

In November 2025, Ulay made his senior national team debut in a friendly match between Ivory Coast and Saudi Arabia. He quickly established himself as a starter and represented Ivory Coast in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2026 World Cup.

After completing the transfer, Ulay bid a heartfelt farewell to the Trabzonspor jersey via his personal social media. He wrote: "After a wonderful journey wearing the Trabzonspor jersey, it's time to embrace new challenges."

"I want to thank my teammates, coaching staff, and especially the fans who have supported me since day one. Your passion and trust have made this experience even more special."

"I will leave with unforgettable memories and a sense of pride in wearing the chestnut blue jersey."

"Thank you all for everything you've done. I wish you all the best in the future."

Image source: Internet