Edin Dzeko is, by all accounts, returning to Italy, but it seems he will not become a new player for Como.
Although Como was considered the favorite to sign Dzeko, in recent days the story about his move to Bologna has intensified, and according to Italian media, the Diamond could soon be presented as the new player of the Italian Cup winner.
It was reported that Bologna officials have already entered negotiations with Dzeko and have already agreed on the amount of his annual salary, which is 1.5 million euros plus bonuses. All that remains is for the two sides to agree on the contract length, as Dzeko is asking for the option to extend the deal for another year.
Corriere stated that Bologna’s management cannot rely solely on their current strikers Santiago Castro and Thijs Dallinga, as the two of them together scored only 11 goals in Serie A last season, and Dzeko would be a valuable addition, especially since they will be playing in the Europa League next season.
In Bologna, they hope that Dzeko will become their new Roberto Baggio, who back in 1997 was a “written-off” footballer.
Let us recall, that Fabio Capello, upon arriving on Milan’s bench, wrote off the then 30-year-old Baggio and placed him on the transfer list. Parma’s management wanted to bring him in and entered negotiations with him, but coach Carlo Ancelotti said he didn’t need him. The legendary Don Carlo later said that was the biggest mistake of his life.
At that time, Bologna seized the opportunity and bought him, and Baggio went on to play the best season of his career. He scored 22 goals in Serie A along with 9 assists and led Bologna, who were expected to fight for survival, to Europe, and with his brilliant performances he also returned to the Italian national team.
Corriere believes that Dzeko, in the twilight of his playing career, could also receive all the love of Bologna’s fans, and we shall see whether we will indeed watch him in the role of home fan favorite at the “Renato Dall’Ara” stadium this season, Klix.ba writes.
