Why Fiorentina Ended Tariq Lamptey’s Contract After Just 25 Minutes of Play
Fiorentina have officially parted ways with Tariq Lamptey after mutually agreeing to terminate the defender’s contract, bringing a painful and disappointing spell in Italy to an early end.
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Lamptey arrived in Florence last summer from Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. in a deal worth €6 million, with many believing the move could revive a career that once promised so much. The Ghana international signed a three-year contract and was expected to add pace, energy and attacking quality to Fiorentina’s defensive setup.
However, his time in Serie A quickly turned into another nightmare chapter in a career heavily disrupted by injuries.
The 25-year-old managed just 25 minutes of competitive football for Fiorentina. He made a brief substitute appearance against SSC Napoli before earning his first start against Como 1907 on September 21, 2025. Sadly, that appearance lasted only 22 minutes before disaster struck.
Lamptey suffered a devastating anterior cruciate ligament injury, forcing him off the pitch and effectively ending his season. He never featured for Fiorentina again.
The setback added to an alarming injury history that has followed the former Chelsea F.C. youngster throughout his professional career. During his years at Brighton, Lamptey spent lengthy periods sidelined with hamstring, knee, ankle and muscle injuries, preventing him from building momentum and consistency.
His injury struggles have been severe across multiple seasons. In the 2025/26 campaign alone, he missed 234 days due to cruciate ligament surgery and another 123 days with a knee injury. Previous campaigns were also heavily affected, including 197 days out with a hamstring injury during the 2020/21 season and 118 days sidelined with a knee problem in 2022/23.
Once regarded as one of England and Ghana’s brightest young full-backs, Lamptey’s career has repeatedly been interrupted just as he appeared ready to establish himself at the highest level. His explosive speed and attacking ability remain undeniable, but recurring fitness issues have made sustained progress extremely difficult.
The contract termination leaves Lamptey as a free agent ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, although his lack of match fitness makes a place in the Ghana national football team squad unlikely.
For Fiorentina, the decision closes the chapter on a transfer that never worked out. For Lamptey, it represents yet another opportunity to rebuild his career and search for stability after years of frustrating setbacks.
Source: YEN.com.gh
