Bologna’s Riccardo Calafiori could reunite with Thiago Motta at Juventus

Juventus are set to bolster their defence for the coming season with Riccardo Calafiori likely to make the move from Bologna. The young centre-back will join Thiago Motta, who will become the new manager of the Bianconeri for the coming season, if the move goes through.

Bologna had an incredible finish this season, earning Champions League football with a finish in the top five. Calafiori made 30 appearances in the league for Bologna, and also chipped in with two goals and five assists in the league.

Riccardo Calafiori in talks to join Juventus

⚫️⚪️ After Di Gregorio deal done, Juventus are now focused on advancing on Riccardo Calafiori as next signing.

Calafiori said yes to Juventus working again with Motta — set to agree on personal terms.

Club to club talks to follow; there could be players included in the deal. pic.twitter.com/AJqbAOZ7vD

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 26, 2024

Juventus will soon start talks with Bologna to sign the player, and the deal could involve a player moving in the opposite direction as well, according to Fabrizio Romano. Personal terms have already been agreed between Juventus and Riccardo Calafiori, meaning one step of the transfer is complete.

Aged 22, the Roma academy graduate could be a long-term member of the Juventus squad, similar to how Bonucci and Chiellini were in the previous era.

Bologna are under no pressure to sell since his contract runs until 2027, which also means they can command a higher transfer fee. Now, it remains to be seen how the two clubs go about the structure of the deal and which players could be involved in the swap.

His former club, Basel, will earn 40% of any amount over €4 million agreed with Juventus should the move go through.