Verona Defender Ghilardi Targeted by Bologna as Key Reinforcement Amid Potential Departures. Fiorentina Set to Receive 50% of the Transfer Fee.
Bologna is looking at defenders for the future. Daniele Ghilardi, a 22-year-old centre-back for Verona, is the player in focus. A meeting is expected today at Casteldebole, Bologna`s headquarters, to discuss him. He is described as good, tall (190 cm), fast, agile, a strong marker, and a fighter. Bologna`s sporting director, Giovanni Sartori, has watched him multiple times in Verona. Sartori`s method is thorough: observe, re-observe, analyze, much like an old-generation computer processing data. This careful approach could bring the young player, who has represented Italy since the U17 level under coach Nunziata, to the Rossoblù.
The asking price for Ghilardi is reportedly 10 million euros. His valuation was around 5-6 million euros last year, but he had a positive season with 24 appearances. Crucially, Fiorentina, the club where Ghilardi developed, holds a 50% sell-on clause for any future transfer fee. Bologna isn`t the only club interested; Lazio has also contacted Hellas Verona, indicating more than just a simple inquiry, and foreign clubs are also considering a move for the defender. However, Bologna currently holds an advantage in the race for his signature.
Lucumi
While Ghilardi is a target, one of the key issues to resolve certainly concerns the right-sided defensive options Bologna already possesses, including Erlic, Casale, and Beukema. Ghilardi`s arrival is difficult unless one of the current players departs. Dutch defender Sam Beukema is reportedly liked by many clubs, and his potential exit would necessitate a quality replacement specifically capable in that role. Beukema`s situation is complicated, reflecting the overall complexity of the transfer market. The current defensive puzzle at Casteldebole focuses intently on both Sam Beukema and the other starting center-back, Jhon Lucumi.
Jhon Lucumi is another player attracting significant interest both within Italy and internationally. However, Bologna needs to determine if the offers received are sufficient. In addition to Aston Villa and Bournemouth, English clubs interested in Lucumi include Tottenham, Brentford, Brighton, and Wolverhampton (who have tracked him for over a year), plus potential renewed interest from major clubs like Manchester United. The Colombian`s contract expires next year, and Bologna is considering whether to sell him now (reportedly for around 28 million euros) or keep him for another year and hope for a contract renewal. If Lucumi leaves, an alternative target is already identified: Cesar Tarrega, the 2002-born right-footed Spanish defender from Valencia, who made 38 appearances last season (Liga and Copa del Rey) contributing 2 goals and 1 assist.
Puzzle
The final composition of Vincenzo Italiano`s defense for the upcoming season thus remains a significant puzzle. It is clear, however, that Ghilardi, with his young age, talent, skill, and alignment with Bologna`s club methodology, is seen as a perfect profile. A recent meeting with Napoli (primarily concerning forward Ndoye) also included discussions about Beukema. Sam Beukema has always shown strong belief in Bologna`s project but is now considering new possibilities and challenges, potentially including a salary offer around 2.5 million euros, which would be enough for him to consider a move away. Should Beukema agree to a departure, it would open the door for Ghilardi to transfer to Bologna.
Ghilardi`s consistent development throughout his career – progressing through Verona`s youth team, then loan spells at Mantova and Sampdoria before returning to Hellas – is encouraging for the Bologna management. More information is expected today as discussions continue. However, it is clear that sorting out player departures will be a decisive factor before formal negotiations for Ghilardi can truly begin, and the entire defensive situation at Bologna still appears to be in the process of definition.
