Former Chelsea and Brighton defender Tariq Lamptey’s Fiorentina nightmare has come to an abrupt end, with the club agreeing to terminate his contract.
Lamptey, who broke through as an academy starlet at Stamford Bridge before playing 122 times for the Seagulls, had aimed for a fresh start in Florence last summer when he moved for £5million.
But the 25-year-old only managed to play 25 minutes of football at the Serie A club, who have now cut their losses after he missed 45 games.
He made his debut against Napoli but lasted just four minutes and then suffered an ACL injury 21 minutes into a game against Como last September – which was his only start for Fiorentina.
Despite Lamptey agreeing a three-year deal last summer, the club and player have agreed a mutual termination of the contract is best for all parties.
Neither have publicly commented on the departure and Fiorentina previously described the injuries as a ‘complex medical situation’.
Tariq Lamptey (centre) has had his contract terminated at Fiorentina after playing just twice
Lamptey is now a free agent and will have to convince any suitors that his body is ready to put the injury anguish behind him.
The right-back burst onto the scene under Frank Lampard at Chelsea when he was given his debut as a 19-year-old.
He made his debut in 2019 and managed two more appearances before Brighton signed him for £3m.
Lamptey’s early promise was also recognised by England at Under-18 and Under-21 level before he changed allegiance and played for the Ghana senior side.
He will not be in contention for selection for the Black Stars’ World Cup campaign following the ACL setback.
Knee and hamstring injuries were a constant menace for the speedster at Brighton and he fell down the pecking order after struggling to consistently stay fit.
The diminutive defender will now be focusing on getting himself back up to fitness and finding his next club in the summer.
