“Bologna’s last assault on Motta, but Juve awaits him”, headlines this morning’s Corriere della Sera. Saputo meets the coach tomorrow offering him the renewal. The shadow of Manchester United hangs over the Bianconeri.
Today is a time for celebration, but the decision will be made tomorrow. Thiago Motta will take some more time before discussing his future with president Joey Saputo. Bologna will try until the last moment to persuade him to stay, even if the chances of this happening are comparable to those the club had of qualifying for the Champions League at the start of the season: one chance in a hundred, according to what Guido de Carolis writes . Saputo will try to convince him not to pack his bags, offering him a competitive team for both the Champions League and the championship, with the aim of also keeping talents like Zirkzee and Calafiori, and enriching the squad with new reinforcements to consolidate the position of the Bologna in European competitions, following the example of Atalanta. Juventus is at the door, with director Giuntoli having met with him repeatedly in recent months and offering him a two-year contract worth 3.5 million per season, with an option for a third year.
The coach is particularly attracted by the prospect of an ambitious project and the role it could play, eager to be a protagonist not only on the pitch, but with a wider impact. England also attracts him; a few weeks ago he rejected an offer from West Ham, who then chose Lopetegui. For Juventus, the risk comes from Manchester United. The Red Devils’ bench is highly coveted and, with Dutchman Ten Hag about to leave, Thiago Motta is among the candidates being considered for his place.
