Former Chelsea prospect Faustino Anjorin is on the verge of completing a move to Torino, with Empoli president Fabrizio Corsi confirming the midfielder’s imminent exit from Tuscany, Soccernet.ng reports.
After just a year at Empoli — where he moved following a permanent departure from Chelsea — Anjorin is now set to remain in Serie A with a €5 million transfer to Torino.
The 23-year-old impressed during his debut season in Italian football despite Empoli’s relegation to Serie B, tallying two goals and three assists in 22 league appearances.
Speaking to Lady Radio as per Tuttob, Empoli chief Corsi was forthright about Anjorin’s quality and the reasoning behind the decision to sell.
“He’s a player who, if he plays 30-35 games, is at the level of Ederson of Atalanta—he’s much higher than the level of Empoli,” Corsi admitted.
“But he has problems that have led him to play only 22 games. If he had stayed, maybe he’d have played 30. But everyone wanted us to sell him. Then keep him unhappy in Serie B? I’ve already hurt myself a few times. He’ll go to Torino.”
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The move is expected to be finalised this Friday, with medicals and contract signings already scheduled.
Chelsea, who let Anjorin go for free last summer, are set to pocket €2 million from the deal, thanks to a clever 40% sell-on clause they inserted into the transfer agreement with Empoli.
Once seen as one of Chelsea’s brightest young hopes, Anjorin came through the Blues academy after joining in 2008. He starred in the FA Youth Cup triumph of 2018 and made his senior debut during the 2019-20 campaign under Frank Lampard.
However, after just five appearances for the first team, his Chelsea career stalled, with spells on loan at Lokomotiv Moscow, Huddersfield, and Portsmouth.
Anjorin’s performances in Serie A have revived interest in his potential. Atalanta were said to be keen, but Torino moved decisively to secure his services. The player’s versatility is an added advantage as he is capable of playing as an attacking midfielder or wide man.
Importantly, the move also has international ramifications. Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle is reportedly eager to include Anjorin in his plans for Nigeria ahead of the upcoming AFCON, and talks with the player have already taken place. Though capped at multiple levels for England — scoring 33 goals in 33 youth appearances — Anjorin remains eligible to switch allegiance.
His rise in Italy, coupled with Chelle’s strong interest, may see him don the green and white of Nigeria before the end of the year.