Empoli FC Midfielders 2024/25
Empoli FC, a club renowned for its ability to nurture talent and compete in Italy’s top flight, has once again assembled a dynamic and versatile midfield for the 2024/25 season. The midfield is often considered the engine room of any team, and Empoli’s blend of youth, experience, and technical prowess promises to be a cornerstone of their campaign. This season, the Tuscan outfit boasts a mix of homegrown stars, shrewd acquisitions, and seasoned campaigners who bring a wealth of diversity to the squad. Below, we take an in-depth look at every midfielder currently on Empoli’s roster, exploring their backgrounds, strengths, and contributions to the team.
1. Tommaso Baldanzi
Tommaso Baldanzi, a product of Empoli’s esteemed youth academy, has emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in Italian football. The 21-year-old Italian playmaker is known for his exceptional vision, close control, and ability to dictate the tempo of the game. Baldanzi’s journey from the Primavera ranks to becoming a first-team regular is a testament to his dedication and skill. His knack for scoring crucial goals and providing key assists has made him a fan favorite. Having never transferred from another club, Baldanzi represents the heart and soul of Empoli’s commitment to developing homegrown talent. His performances have already attracted interest from top Serie A clubs, but for now, he remains a vital cog in Empoli’s midfield machinery.
2. Razvan Marin
Razvan Marin, the Romanian international, brings a wealth of experience and technical quality to Empoli’s midfield. Signed from Cagliari for a reported fee of €6 million, Marin has quickly established himself as a key figure in the squad. 
Known for his precise passing, set-piece expertise, and ability to break up opposition play, the 28-year-old is a complete midfielder. His journey includes stints at Standard Liège, Ajax, and Cagliari, where he honed his skills in various European leagues. Marin’s leadership on the pitch and his ability to perform under pressure make him an indispensable asset for Empoli as they aim to solidify their position in Serie A.
3. Liam Henderson
Liam Henderson, the Scottish midfielder, adds a unique flavor to Empoli’s midfield with his combative style and relentless work rate. Henderson, who joined Empoli from Lecce for a modest fee of €2.5 million, is a versatile player capable of operating in both defensive and attacking roles. His career has taken him from Celtic to Bari, Verona, and Lecce, showcasing his adaptability across different leagues. Henderson’s physical presence, aerial ability, and knack for arriving late in the box make him a valuable contributor in both ends of the pitch. His passion and determination embody the spirit of Empoli’s underdog mentality.
4. Jacopo Fazzini
Jacopo Fazzini, another gem from Empoli’s youth system, is a technically gifted midfielder with a bright future ahead of him. The 20-year-old Italian has impressed with his composure on the ball, intelligent movement, and ability to link play between midfield and attack. Fazzini’s development has been closely monitored by the club, and his progression through the ranks highlights Empoli’s commitment to nurturing young talent. While he is still refining his game, Fazzini’s potential is undeniable, and he is expected to play a more prominent role in the 2024/25 season.
5. Filippo Bandinelli
Filippo Bandinelli, a versatile and hardworking midfielder, has been a consistent performer for Empoli since joining from Livorno in 2019. The 29-year-old Italian is known for his tireless running, tactical intelligence, and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively. Bandinelli’s journey through the lower divisions of Italian football has instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep understanding of the game. His ability to adapt to different midfield roles makes him a reliable option for the manager, and his leadership qualities are invaluable in the dressing room.
6. Youssef Maleh
Youssef Maleh, the Moroccan international, brings flair and creativity to Empoli’s midfield. Signed from Fiorentina for a fee of €4 million, Maleh is a dynamic box-to-box midfielder with excellent dribbling skills and an eye for goal. The 25-year-old has previously played for Venezia and Fiorentina, gaining valuable experience in Serie A. Maleh’s ability to drive forward with the ball and his willingness to track back defensively make him a well-rounded player. His technical ability and attacking instincts add a new dimension to Empoli’s midfield.
7. Alberto Grassi
Alberto Grassi, a seasoned campaigner in Italian football, provides stability and experience to Empoli’s midfield. The 29-year-old Italian joined Empoli from Napoli for a fee of €3.5 million and has since become a key figure in the team. Grassi’s ability to read the game, intercept passes, and distribute the ball efficiently makes him an ideal deep-lying playmaker. His career has included spells at Atalanta, Parma, and Napoli, where he developed his tactical awareness and technical skills. Grassi’s calm demeanor and ability to control the tempo of the game are crucial for Empoli’s success.
8. Nicolas Haas
Nicolas Haas, the Swiss midfielder, is a recent addition to Empoli’s squad, joining from FC Basel for a fee of €5 million. The 26-year-old is known for his versatility, energy, and ability to play in multiple midfield roles. Haas’s career began at FC Luzern before he moved to Basel, where he established himself as one of the top midfielders in the Swiss Super League. His ability to cover ground quickly, combined with his technical skills, makes him a valuable asset for Empoli. Haas’s adaptability and work ethic ensure he fits seamlessly into the team’s tactical setup.
9. Marko Pjaca
Marko Pjaca, the Croatian winger, offers a different dimension to Empoli’s midfield with his pace, dribbling, and creativity. Signed on a free transfer after his contract with Juventus expired, Pjaca brings a wealth of experience from top European clubs. The 29-year-old has previously played for Dinamo Zagreb, Juventus, and Anderlecht, among others. Pjaca’s ability to take on defenders and deliver dangerous crosses makes him a potent attacking threat. While primarily a winger, his versatility allows him to slot into central midfield when needed, providing Empoli with additional options.
10. Samuele Ricci
Samuele Ricci, one of Italy’s most promising young midfielders, is a cornerstone of Empoli’s midfield. The 22-year-old Italian has been with the club since his youth days and has developed into a complete midfielder. Ricci’s ability to control the game, combined with his defensive awareness and passing range, has drawn comparisons to some of Italy’s midfield greats. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with several top clubs monitoring his progress. For now, Ricci remains a vital part of Empoli’s plans, and his continued development will be key to the team’s success.
11. Nedim Bajrami
Nedim Bajrami, the Albanian international, is a creative force in Empoli’s midfield. Signed from Grasshoppers for a fee of €2 million, Bajrami has quickly become a fan favorite with his flair and attacking prowess. The 25-year-old is known for his ability to unlock defenses with incisive passes and his eye for goal. Bajrami’s journey from Switzerland to Serie A has been marked by consistent improvement, and he is now one of Empoli’s most important players. His technical ability and creativity make him a constant threat in the final third.
12. Leo Stulac
Leo Stulac, the Slovenian midfielder, adds depth and experience to Empoli’s squad. The 30-year-old joined Empoli from Venezia for a fee of €1.5 million and has proven to be a reliable option in midfield. Stulac’s ability to dictate play, combined with his set-piece expertise, makes him a valuable asset. His career has included spells at Maribor, Palermo, and Venezia, where he gained valuable experience in different leagues. Stulac’s calmness under pressure and his ability to control the tempo of the game are crucial for Empoli’s midfield balance.
Conclusion
Empoli FC’s midfield for the 2024/25 season is a blend of youth, experience, and versatility. From homegrown talents like Tommaso Baldanzi and Samuele Ricci to seasoned campaigners like Razvan Marin and Alberto Grassi, the squad boasts a diverse range of skills and attributes. Each player brings something unique to the table, ensuring that Empoli remains competitive in Serie A. As the season unfolds, the midfield will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in determining the team’s success. With a mix of creativity, grit, and tactical intelligence, Empoli’s midfielders are ready to make their mark on Italian football once again.