Serie A’s Sassuolo missed Anthony Dennis as Al Jazira move closed

Sassuolo missed out on signing Anthony Dennis after Al Jazira completed the move for the Goztepe midfielder in the United Arab Emirates. The Serie A club returned with an improved offer only hours after the Nigeria international invitee had agreed to join the UAE side.

Dennis had two options during the final stage of the transfer: Sassuolo and Al Jazira. Goztepe valued the midfielder at €8 million, and Al Jazira moved close to that figure while negotiations with the Italian club continued.

Sassuolo’s initial proposal was considered too low, and the club delayed improving its offer. That left Al Jazira in the stronger position as the Turkish club and the player continued to work towards an agreement.

The situation changed when Dennis accepted the move to Al Jazira. Sassuolo then returned with a better bid, but its timing worked against the club. Al Jazira had already moved quickly to complete the formalities and get Dennis to Dubai.

The Nigerian midfielder consequently joined Al Jazira instead of moving to Serie A. The late improvement from Sassuolo could not alter the outcome because the UAE club had completed the decisive steps first.

Dennis is a one-time Super Eagles invitee and had been playing for Goztepe in Turkey before the transfer. His move to Al Jazira ended a closely contested race between the UAE club and Sassuolo, with the Italian side losing out after its improved offer arrived only a few hours too late.