It seemed for weeks as though Alexis Saelemaekeres move to Bologna on a permanent deal was a formality, but a report has claimed that the decision has actually gone the other way.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Bologna are ‘very much much oriented towards no rather than towards yes’ when it comes to triggering the option to buy that they have as part of the loan deal agreed last summer.
Saelemaekers ended up being one of the pillars of a Rossoblu side who achieved qualification for the Champions League under Thiago Motta, shrugging off some injury problems that he suffered during the first few weeks of the season.
Joey Saputo’s club – evidently also with the input of Vincenzo Italiano who started transfer discussions on the day of his signing – has decided that the €9.5m option to make the Belgian’s stay a permanent one will not be exercised.
The former Anderlecht winger played 30 games last season, scoring four goals and at this point – if everything is confirmed – he will return to Milan to stay or be sent elsewhere, unless Sartori and Di Vaio have second thoughts.
The feeling is that Christian Kouame could come in to replace him, a winger that Fiorentina exercised a renewal option until 2025 on but who Vincenzo Italiano may want in his new adventure in Bologna.