As the summer transfer window heats up, football clubs across Europe are busy reshaping their squads. Reports from Italy indicate that Bologna FC is strategically focusing its recruitment efforts on a specific source: AC Milan. The Rossoblù are reportedly preparing a significant approach aiming to secure the services of not one, but three players currently on Milan`s books, all of whom appear to be considered surplus to requirements at San Siro.
The players in question are midfielders Tommaso Pobega and Yacine Adli, along with forward Noah Okafor. This potential “triple swoop” suggests a clear plan by Bologna, possibly influenced by the tactical vision of their new coach, Vincenzo Italiano, to integrate players who might be seeking a fresh start or more consistent game time away from the competitive environment at Milan.
Tommaso Pobega is a familiar face at the Stadio Dall’Ara, having spent a prior season on loan with Bologna. That spell included an option to make the move permanent for €12 million, an option Bologna ultimately declined to activate. However, the club`s renewed interest suggests they believe a more favorable deal can be negotiated, potentially as part of this larger package involving multiple players.
Yacine Adli`s situation is similar in that he has spent time away from Milan, most recently on loan at Fiorentina. Despite his spell elsewhere, Milan appears to have decided that his future lies away from the club. He is reportedly being told to find a new destination this summer, making him an accessible target for clubs like Bologna looking to bolster their midfield options.
Noah Okafor represents a slightly different case. After a loan stint at Napoli, where his opportunities were reportedly limited – perhaps best described as `barely setting foot on the pitch` – he has returned to Milan. While other clubs, notably Besiktas and Fenerbahce from Turkey, have expressed interest, their approaches have favored loan agreements with options to buy. AC Milan, however, has adopted a firm stance: they are seeking a permanent transfer for Okafor, signaling their clear intention to offload the player outright this window.
The interest from Bologna in these three players highlights an interesting dynamic in the transfer market: one club`s surplus talent can become another`s key acquisition targets. For Milan, selling these players would help manage their squad size and potentially generate funds for their own transfer activities. For Bologna, it`s an opportunity to acquire players with Serie A experience, albeit ones who haven`t quite cemented their place at a top club like Milan, potentially at a reasonable combined cost if a package deal can be struck.
Executing a deal involving three separate players, each with their own contractual situations and market values, is a complex undertaking. However, the ambition from Bologna is evident, signaling a determined effort to strengthen their squad significantly by targeting players who, for various reasons, find themselves on the fringes at AC Milan. It remains to be seen if Bologna can turn this ambitious triple attempt into a successful reality.
