Bari's "tables" between purchases and sales

There's an initial setback. Bari's transfer market hasn't seen any major changes in recent days. And while it's understandable that they couldn't continue at a steady pace of signings, one thing must be clear: there's still a long way to go.

The gaps affect all departments, which currently still have potential redundancies or players who aren't suited to the 4-3-3 formation new coach Fabio Caserta is aiming for. There's no hesitation: no fewer than four top-notch players are needed (five if Dorval leaves, as seems likely), as well as two or three other suitable alternatives. Therefore, seven or eight additions. Perhaps trying to nab a few players who can warm up the fans. The season ticket campaign hasn't started, but the fans' disaffection is evident. Currently, the number of fans who would renew their faith in the Galletti is nearing an all-time low. We're starting with nine official transfers: goalkeeper Michele Cerofolini (26, from Frosinone), right-back Lorenzo Dickman (28, from Brescia), central defenders Sheriff Kassama (20, from Trento) and Dimitris Nikolaou (26, from Palermo), midfielder Matthias Verreth (27, from Brescia), midfielder Riccardo Pagano (21, from Roma), centre-forwards Gabriele Moncini (29, from Brescia) and Christian Gytkjaer (35, released after his time at Venezia), and winger Emanuele Rao (19, from Napoli, who signed him after the SPAL bankruptcy). Here, however, are the needs that need to be addressed.

Nosa Obaretin was expected: the 22-year-old defender's return from Napoli seemed like a mere formality until a few Serie A rivals emerged (most notably Cremonese and Pisa). Now we'll have to wait: the Apulian management has no intention of insisting if the player isn't completely convinced. The central defenders, however, will need to be completed: Kassama and Nikolaou are currently in the mix, as well as Vicari, who could also be a potential departure, although no concrete offers have been received so far. One or two additions (if the 30-year-old Roman is sold) are essential. Discussions have taken place regarding Andrea Cistana, the 28-year-old who recently released from Brescia. Giorgio Cittadini, a 23-year-old player owned by Atalanta, is also highly sought after, coming off a year at Frosinone hampered by a serious injury; however, Spezia has a clear advantage over him. The right flank could be complete with Dickman and Pucino: the 34-year-old Neapolitan isn't irreplaceable, but if he doesn't have other opportunities, the hunt for another player won't begin for now. Caserta is interested in Tommaso Cassandro, a 25-year-old from Como who played for Catanzaro last year. On the left flank, however, the Dorval situation is dominating: the 24-year-old Franco-Algerian has some requests from abroad, but Bari would like to receive a fee exceeding €1 million. The impression is that he's heading towards a departure. Two possible replacements: Giacomo Quagliata, a 25-year-old who previously played for the Galletti in 2018-19, in Serie D and now at Cremonese, or Edoardo Pieragnolo, a 22-year-old from Sassuolo. A complete change to the left flank could also be considered if Alessandro Tripaldelli, who was a minor player last year, leaves.

THREE MIDFIELDERS: Verreth is the designated midfielder, with Benali theoretically the immediate alternative, given the Libyan's position in the last two seasons. Caserta, however, also sees him as a central midfielder. Therefore, Pagano is currently the only midfielder. In any case, three additions are needed: two starting midfielders and another as an alternative, or, if Benali (assuming he stays) moves to the midfielder position, then another playmaker would be needed. This department definitely needs strengthening. The main target is Liam Henderson, a 29-year-old free agent who played for the Biancorossi from January to June 2018; however, the Scotsman is currently awaiting a call from Serie A. Discussions are ongoing with Frosinone for Francesco Gelli, 28, fresh from a stint at Cremonese: a prospect worth pursuing. Likewise, the return of 25-year-old Nunzio Lella from Venezia is not being overlooked: a deal within reach, but a permanent deal has yet to be reached. Speaking of a revival, Leonardo Benedetti (a key player in 2022-23) would have the ideal characteristics sought by the Apulian club, but Sampdoria (owners of his contract) are demanding a rather high fee to sell him. Finally, keep an eye on two Sassuolo players: 24-year-old Edoardo Iannoni, who has been in Bari's sights since last season, while 20-year-old Andrea Lipani has the advantage of playing both as a central midfielder and as a playmaker. Among the youngsters, 20-year-old Giovanni Giunti (Perugia) has been closely monitored.

TWO WINGERS AND A CENTRE FORWARD: Finally, here are the needs for the attacking line. Wingers in particular need to be found, given that for now the only options are the revitalization of Sibilli and the young Rao. Giacomo Manzari and Gaston Pereiro are also reportedly in the squad, but both, given their characteristics (attacking midfielders rather than wingers), don't seem to fit the tactical plan. Spezia's 26-year-old Mirko Antonucci is also interested, but discussions are contingent on his rather high salary. Anthony Partipilo, a 31-year-old from Bari who returned to Parma after a loan spell at Frosinone, could also be a possibility. Youngsters Filippo Distefano of Fiorentina and Dominic Vavassori (Atalanta) were also being pursued, but are now moving on to Carrarese and Juve Stabia, respectively. Finally, it would be wise to round out the striker package with at least one young player: Gytkjaer and Moncini aren't necessarily substitutes for each other, but they could also form a partnership if needed. An extra striker would be useful. The 22-year-olds Daniele Montevago (Perugia) and Guglielmo Mignani (two goalscoring seasons with Pianese, in Serie C) are of interest, but other options are being explored.