Bologna are expected to make a last-ditch attempt to keep Thiago Motta at the club when they meet this week. Motta confirmed that he would be speaking with the Rossoblu management this week to clarify his future. A stellar season has seen the club qualify for next seasons Champions League, and owner Joey Saputo is keen to try and convince Motta to remain.
La Gazzetta dello Sport report that within the Bologna community, the prevailing sense is that Thiago Motta’s journey with the club has reached a triumphant conclusion, setting the stage for a new chapter. For weeks, it has been reported that Juventus has identified Motta as the successor to Massimiliano Allegri. Juventus’ sporting director, Cristiano Giuntoli, has already reached a verbal agreement with Motta for a two-year contract worth €3.5 million net per season, plus bonuses.
While Bologna’s fans and players are bracing for Motta’s departure, the club’s management is not ready to let him go without a fight. CEO Claudio Fenucci has been vocal about his desire to keep Motta (“I’d like to tie him to the chair”), and President Joey Saputo reiterated this sentiment during the Dall’Ara celebration: “How will we keep him? We’ll do everything possible.”
The crucial effort to retain Motta begins today, with a pivotal meeting scheduled between Motta, Saputo, and Bologna’s management. This will be a critical moment to lay all cards on the table, revealing both the club’s proposal and the coach’s intentions.
Saputo is reportedly planning an ambitious strategy: a €100 million investment over the next three years to transform Bologna into a new Atalanta. This plan includes making a strong effort to keep Riccardo Calafiori, who is also being courted by Juventus after scoring a brace against them. Additionally, the club aims to offer Motta a more central role in their future.
This meeting represents Bologna’s last attempt to persuade Thiago Motta to continue his journey with the club, while Juventus watches and waits from the sidelines.
