According to reports, Huddersfield Town are now eyeing a move for former Hull City centre-half Andrea Ranocchia as David Wagner seeks defensive addition ahead of their crucial season in the Premier League. The Italian centre-half had a decent loan stint with the Tigers in the second half of the last season despite failing to keep them in the top-tier.
Huddersfield were defensively good last season in the Championship, giving more than enough reasons for the manager to stick with the existing back line, however, few experienced reinforcements, if available, will always be on the manager’s priority list.
The newly promoted side has already signed Aaron Mooy from Manchester City on a permanent basis, after the player hugely impressed for them in last season. And club owner Dean Hoyle and boss David Wagner have made it quite clear in public that there are more arrivals this summer.
Wagner signed a new two-year contract with the club of late and has revealed much of his summer plans following the announcement. On getting asked about the player, Wagner stated, “I am aware of the player, as well as the fact there is a lot of the interest in him as well. We’ve spoken with the agent but nothing in which we can say we are near to be over the line.”
These are exciting times for the Terriers. The club has already spent a record amount for Mooy and the second one for Steven Mounie is already on the way. The player is reported to having a medical at the club ahead of a proposed £11.5m move.
Wagner knows pretty well that despite doing well in the Championship, his side would need major reinforcements before they head to next season. They face West Ham United, Crystal Palace and Newcastle United in the first month itself, which would be his first chance to make their intentions known.
29-year-old Ranocchia is definitely not in Inter Milan’s grand scheme of things anymore. He had made just nine appearances last season for the Serie A side before he was loaned off to Hull City. He was a big target for Watford before Hull City picked him up at the right moment. His quick adaptation to the Premier League has been a good sign with many Premier League sides looking to bring him in.
He played 16 games for Hull City last season scoring twice and assisting the same number of times. He coped well from the aerial threats and Huddersfield could get a ready material in the Italian.
