Luis Balbo has signed a long-term contract with SK Sturm Graz. Michael Parensen, the club's managing director of sport, stated that after the departure of Emir Karic, they wanted to strengthen the left-back position and are happy to have found an excellent solution with Luis Balbo. Balbo said he sought advice from Oliver Christensen, who was on loan at Sturm last season, and heard only good things about the club and the city of Graz from him. Balbo also commented that Sturm is an ambitious club, will play in Europe again in the autumn, and is known for giving young players a chance.

According to Krone.at, Sturm Graz announced the signing of Luis Balbo on Wednesday. The 20-year-old left-back joins permanently from AC Fiorentina and signed a long-term contract. Luis Balbo has already trained with Sturm Graz for the first time.

According to transfer insider Gianluca Di Marzio, left-back Luis Balbo is apparently moving permanently from AC Fiorentina to SK Sturm Graz. A reported 1.5 million euros are to be paid to Florence, and the Italians would also receive a resale participation of 50 percent.

SK Sturm Graz is searching for a new left-back following the departure of Emir Karic and has reportedly identified a target in Italy. According to Cesar Luis Merlo on X, the club is interested in signing Luis Balbo from AC Fiorentina. SK Sturm Graz is said to have submitted a loan offer for the 20-year-old Venezuelan national player, which includes a purchase option. Balbo, who is considered a great talent, has a contract with Fiorentina until 2028. The defender also holds a Portuguese passport, has four senior caps for Venezuela, and made seven senior appearances for Fiorentina in the 2025/2026 season. Transfermarkt estimates his market value to be €3.00m.