The Corriere dello Sport-Stadio focuses this morning on the possible scenarios of the summer session to best replace the Scotsman Lewis Ferguson. First of all, Bologna is close to the Scotsman, a symbol of this team to the point of deserving the captain’s armband for some time now. It is true, however, that the rupture of the cruciate will keep him out for a long time: an estimated 15 to 18 matches between the championship, the Italian Cup and a possible European Cup. With the championship starting on August 17th and the additional timescales beyond those already foreseen for a full recovery for the Scotsman, Bologna will have to take action in the best possible way.
Possible roads
It is difficult to name names even before the end of the season, a crucial time for the rossoblù to understand what will become of their future. There are two possible paths: the club could move towards a profile similar to that of the Scotsman in order to raise the level of the squad and allow Ferguson a return as cautious as possible. The problem with this option is the figures, which are too high for such a flexible, useful player who is perfectly within the mechanisms of Thiago Motta. The second of the two scenarios it is that of a “low profile”, who can be his only replacement and who can sit on the bench once Lewis has recovered. Many names but none reachable: Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad, Georgiy Sudakov, playmaker for Shakhtar Donetsk also followed by Juve. The figures are around 50 million, too many: which is why the track is more within reach Habib Diarra (20), Senegalese from Strasbourg.
The multiple physical problems in the rossoblù season
More than 100 total matchdays missed by all the players in Thiago Motta’s squad. The most decimated department is that of the high wingers: Karlsson out for eleven rounds, Ndoye five, Orsolini four, Saelemaekers four, and Odgaard two despite having arrived in the winter transfer market.
In defence, Lucumì was absent for five matchdays, Beukema for two and Soumaoro since the end of last season. Despite this, the Italian-Brazilian coach has always rotated everyone and found a perfect fit from time to time. This is what he will also have to do for this season finale in view of the absence of captain Ferguson; all the midfielders are ready. Finally, the last ones left in the pits during the season so far were El Azzouzi, for nine games, and Freuler – out in the early September match against Cagliari.
READ ALSO: Bologna: Ferguson out, Motta evaluates alternatives
