Reports from Italy suggest that negotiations are underway between Juventus and Bologna for defender Riccardo Calafiori, but Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen are also interested. Calciomercato.com report that the focus has now shifted to reaching an agreement with Bologna’s President Saputo who has a clear initial request: €25 million.
Calafiori’s exceptional season at Bologna, marked by quality performances and consistency, has attracted significant interest, including from abroad. Particularly noteworthy is Leverkusen’s interest, backed by the managerial prowess of Xabi Alonso. While flattered by this attention, Calafiori has reiterated his absolute priority: Juventus. His aim is to continue his professional journey under Thiago Motta, the coach who has been instrumental in his career and is poised to lead Juventus.
In negotiating Calafiori’s transfer, Giuntoli must navigate the market to maintain a sustainable economic balance between incomings and outgoings. Therefore, the use of technical counterparts could become a necessary solution, according to Calciomercato.
Bologna holds significant interest in Tommaso Barbieri, the 2002-born right-back currently on loan at Pisa from Juventus. Another name under consideration is Portuguese defender Tiago Djalo (though difficulties may arise due to his high wages).
