Cagliari have identified US Cremonese defender Federico Baschirotto as a potential transfer target. The news comes as the grey-reds have omitted the player from their squad for the upcoming Serie B match against Modena this weekend.
The Sardinian club are seeking a central defensive reinforcement in the final days of the summer window. Their primary target remains Caleb Okoli, currently at Leicester City, but Baschirotto represents a concrete alternative. The 27-year-old defender, who was relegated to Serie B with Cremonese last season, appears unwilling to continue in the second tier and is aiming for a return to the top flight.
Why did US Cremonese leave Baschirotto out?
The decision to exclude Federico Baschirotto from the match against Modena clearly signals a developing situation. Cremonese manager Giovanni Stroppa is preparing his team for a Serie B season targeting promotion. Omitting an experienced player like Baschirotto, who made 31 Serie A appearances last campaign, suggests the club is open to evaluating incoming offers. The team, currently fifth in the standings with 10 points from 6 matches, faces a busy schedule, as seen on our fixtures page.
What are Cagliari's options?
Cagliari's sporting director, Nereo Bonato, is working on multiple fronts. The club needs a defender following summer departures and has at least two options on the table. The priority is Caleb Okoli, but negotiations with Leicester are complex. Baschirotto, therefore, becomes a very valid Plan B. The player already has Serie A experience and, according to Calciomercato, is also being monitored by Bologna, Sassuolo, and his former club Lecce. The latter could only move if Tiago Gabriel is sold.
What does this mean for US Cremonese's squad?
A potential departure for Baschirotto would force Cremonese to reconsider their defensive setup. Players like Matteo Bianchetti and Luca Ravanelli remain in the squad, but losing a starter would be significant. The club has built a competitive roster, as shown on the squad page, focusing on a mix of youth and experience. The closing transfer window forces the management into quick decisions. If Baschirotto leaves, a new defensive arrival would become almost mandatory to maintain performance standards.
The situation remains fluid over the next 48 hours. Cagliari must decide whether to push for Okoli or go all-in for Baschirotto. Meanwhile, Cremonese continue preparations for Modena with a potentially altered squad. The outcome of these talks will influence the ambitions of both clubs for the coming months of the league campaign.
